Mesothelioma UK, the national asbestos-related cancer charity, has published a new report entitled ‘Mesothelioma and the Coroner: Understanding and Improving the Process for Families’. The report reveals that many bereaved families experience confusion, distress and a lack of clear information when a loved one dies from mesothelioma – an incurable cancer caused by asbestos exposure.
The report, produced in collaboration with the Mesothelioma UK Research Centre at the University of Sheffield, explores how the coronial process affects families and highlights opportunities to improve communication and consistency across the UK. In Scotland, this process is overseen by the Procurator Fiscal, who carries out a similar role to that of the coroner elsewhere in the UK. The report includes practical recommendations for coroners, healthcare professionals, legal teams and families, aiming to bring greater clarity, sensitivity and consistency to the process.
Mesothelioma is a cancer related to exposure to asbestos and predominantly affects the lining of the lungs. The UK has the highest incidence of the disease in the world with around 2,700 people diagnosed each year. When someone dies with mesothelioma, the disease is not considered to be a natural death. It is a result of exposure to asbestos, making it an industrial disease. As an unnatural death, UK law requires a legal investigation by a coroner to determine the circumstances.
Drawing on a UK-wide survey, in-depth interviews with family members who had lost someone to mesothelioma, and consultation with coroners, legal professionals and clinical nurse specialists, the research found that:
- Many families were unaware that a coroner would be involved following a mesothelioma death
- Late communication about coronial involvement often increased emotional distress
- There is variation across the UK in how coronial investigations are handled, particularly around post-mortem examinations and police attendance
- Clearer information, early conversations and compassionate communication greatly improve family experiences
- There were also examples of good practice from which new learnings can be taken
Sarah Thomas, Benefits Manager at Mesothelioma UK and lead author of the report, said:
“Families affected by mesothelioma are already coping with the loss of a loved one to a preventable disease. Finding out – often suddenly – that the coroner must be involved can come as a huge shock. We want to ensure that no family is left confused or unsupported at such a difficult time.
“Mesothelioma UK is calling for national awareness and policy improvements to help ensure that every family receives clear, timely, and compassionate support.”
Dr Bethany Taylor and Dr Sarah Hargreaves from the Mesothelioma UK Research Centre added: “Our research is the first study to give a voice to families who have gone through the coronial process after losing someone to mesothelioma. The evidence highlights an urgent need for greater national consistency and earlier, improved communication to ensure families are treated with compassion and respect at an incredibly difficult time.”
The full report is available to read or download here. Copies of the report have been circulated to every coroner and Procurator Fiscal in the UK.
