Banton 'shattered' by vicious cancer diagnosis

Anti-asbestos campaigner Bernie Banton says he was "shattered" on Friday to learn he had developed an asbestos-related cancer.

Mr Banton's doctors have diagnosed a vicious form of an abdominal cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma, on top of his pre-existing lung disease, asbestosis.

The 60-year-old plans to sue his former employer, building materials company James Hardie, for compensation to ensure his family is adequately cared for after he dies.

The money would come from the same fund he fought to have established for asbestos victims.

Mr Banton, flanked by his wife and son, has spoken publicly about the news from a bed in Sydney's Concord Hospital.

He says he will fight this very personal battle with the same vigour he used to get compensation for asbestos victims from James Hardie.

"I put on a brave face but I was shattered," he said.

"There's absolutely no other word for it - 'shattered'. I just never, ever saw it coming."

'One in a million'

Mr Banton says he was surprised with the speed the cancer hit him.

He says he knew something serious was happening to him a few days before he was admitted to hospital last Friday, but he still cannot believe it.

"I feel like I've been kicked in the guts," he said.

His doctor, Professor Stephen Clark, says it is a rare disease, which Mr Banton says shows the insidious danger of asbestos.

"The fact that I've ended up with this triple whammy - well, you heard Dr Stephen Clark say 'one in a million'," he said.

Mr Banton's lawyer, Tanya Segelov, says her client could have just months to live.

"Unfortunately, it is a disease with a poor prognosis ... and it is a very painful and horrible disease," she said.

Ms Segelov says there is no doubt Mr Banton contracted the cancer as a result of his work at James Hardie.

Combet's tribute

The outgoing secretary of the Australian Council of Trade Unions, Greg Combet, has expressed his sadness over the news.

Mr Combet worked closely with Mr Banton during the campaign for compensation from James Hardie.

He says his thoughts are with his friend.

"Bernie Banton has enormous heart and courage," he said.

"I know that he will fight this disease with all his strength and all his might, and he will have the support of the Labor movement as well as his family."


abc.net.au