Support provided by Local 793 is enabling a Mesothelioma Research Program at Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto to make important progress against the disease.

“Your members’ support has helped our clinicians and researchers make significant progress in the area of mesothelioma diagnosis and treatment,” the hospital’s foundation says in a report prepared for the union.

“Novel approaches you have supported are giving Canadians and their families the relief and hope they need and deserve.”

The report notes that the hospital is very grateful to the members of Local 793 for their continued support of the research program.

The program is supported by Local 793 and a number of other building trades.

Local 793 has contributed more than $1.2 million to the research program over the last four years. The union contributes two cents to the program for every hour worked by a member.

The program is designed to detect mesothelioma and lung cancer at an early stage using a CT scan.

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs. It is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos.

The hospital foundation says that funds provided by Local 793 are supporting further development of pioneering approaches to mesothelioma treatment.

“Your commitment will also help us invest in training thoracic surgeons, radiologist clinicians and researchers for future generations,” the foundation’s report notes.

“With Local 793’s commitment, we can make a global impact on mesothelioma, increasing the quality of life through early diagnosis and novel therapeutics.”

To date, 1,186 participants have been screened since the program was launched in 2005. Fifty-six of those have been members of Local 793.

Local 793 operators who wish to find out more information about the screening program can call Brenda O’Sullivan at 416-340-5686.

To see the full report from the hospital foundation, click here.