BTOG – What is it and why are we there?

The British Thoracic Oncology Group is a (not for profit) UK lung cancer and mesothelioma research group.

BTOG aims to improve the care of patients with lung cancer and mesothelioma through education and clinical and scientific research, give advice for patient care and promote clinical trials and protocols.  BTOG represents all the disciplines involved in the care of lung cancer and mesothelioma throughout the UK and includes medical and clinical oncologists, respiratory physicians, surgeons, radiotherapists, radiologists, nurses, pharmacists and scientists.

BTOG does not receive any funding from the NHS and at present receives financial support through sponsorship and research and educational grants from industry

Why are we there?

At Novum Law, we deal exclusively with asbestos disease. Its therefore important that we are knowledgeable in research, information and trials which may be relevant to our clients. Attendance therefore helps us keep up to date with treatment and research for mesothelioma and lung cancer and it gives us an opportunity to talk to consultants and lung nurses about their experiences

In addition we can inform and advise the medical practitioners about what the asbestos support groups can offer patients and what lawyers can do for patients through compensation; all this hopefully with aim of ensuring that not only we, as lawyers, have an understanding of the medical issues, but also that the medical practitioners and nurses are aware of the work offered by both the victims support group charities and lawyers.

At the Conference will be the Asbestos Victims Support Groups Forum UK, which is an umbrella organisation representing asbestos victims support groups. The Forum’ s main purpose is to work collectively to provide one voice for asbestos victims. Novum Law works closely with one of these groups, HASAG, and is one of Hasag’s panel of recommended solicitors.

Hasag, as well as supporting victims of asbestos, campaigning for greater rights for them and raising money for asbestos charities, also work closely with the hospitals and specialist lung cancer nurses to provide personal help and advice to patients on available state benefits and ensure they receive the best legal advice.

If, at the end of the 3 days we are all a little more aware of the options open to patients and clients, in terms of research, treatment and legal advice, it will be a great success!