Mesothelioma Support and Resources
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive type of cancer. It averages 3,000 new diagnoses each year in the United States. Support is available to patients and their caregivers during this trying time. In-person and online support groups and one-on-one mentorship are just a few options available.
Coping with a Mesothelioma Diagnosis
A mesothelioma diagnosis raises a combination of questions and fears. Patients face painful treatment side effects with a potentially short life expectancy. Caregivers may become overwhelmed as they attempt to remain strong for the patient’s sake while processing their own emotions about the diagnosis and its impact on their lives.
The Role of Mental Health in Prognoses
Psychological factors have been linked to a higher quality of life and a reduction of pain in cancer patients. According to the MD Anderson Center, a positive attitude and a supportive environment are among the most important factors in determining a prognosis.
- Medically Reviewed By: Patricia Shelton, M.D.
- Legally Reviewed By: Sam Taylor
- Last Modified March 10, 2023
Support Groups
Caregivers also need support. Caregivers suffer alongside the patient. They are often family members or close friends who are not professional caregivers. They may feel helpless watching their loved one suffer painful symptoms and side effects. Their financial situation may change as they have to miss days at work or sacrifice employment altogether.
They face burnout and overwhelm as they direct their attention to the patient’s needs while placing their own on the back burner. They may experience changes in their physical and mental health. Fortunately, there are many support groups available for caregivers as well.
Local Support Groups
- Check with your cancer hospital’s social worker or your oncologist
- Ask other patients
- Contact your local health department
- Search the American Cancer Society’s website to find support groups in your area
Local Resources for Caregivers
- Resource information
- Assistance gaining access to services
- Individual counseling
- Organization of support groups
- Caregiver training
- Respite care (a break from caregiving)
Online Support Groups
Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation
- Patient support group
- Caregiver support group
- Young widows and widowers support group
- Survivor stories
- Spousal loss conversation group, which is hosted twice monthly
- Mesothelioma Straight Talk: General Discussion
- Mesothelioma Straight Talk: Patient Support
- Mesothelioma Straight Talk: Caregivers - Advanced Disease
- Mesothelioma Straight Talk: Caregivers - Early Disease
- Mesothelioma: Loss Support Group
MD Anderson Support Groups
- General cancer patient support group
- Caregiver support group
- Cancer survivorship group
- Advanced stage cancer support group for patients
- Well Wives support group
- Circle of Hope bereavement and loss support group
The Cancer Support Community
IHadCancer
Inspire
One-on-One Support
Online Resources to Update Others
CaringBridge
Blogging
Vlogging is a video version of a blog, where you speak via video rather than writing your updates. This can be accomplished on popular social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube or through a blogging platform.
Blogging can have a positive impact on mindset in individuals suffering from terminal illnesses or chronic pain by providing a meaningful activity leading to more positive pain management and social connectedness. It may inspire others.
- Acceptance of cancer as part of life
- Reduced fear
- Expanded knowledge about cancer
- A stronger feeling of being in control
- New meaning in life
- Greater connectedness with others
Unite to Support Awareness
Every year, ADAO hosts the International Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Conference. The 17th annual conference will be held virtually September 16-17, 2022.
Educational Resources
Connecting with survivors is an effective way to start educating yourself. Additional educational resources include the following:
- The Meso Foundation's International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma - A community conference for patients, caregivers and professionals will take place virtually and in person July 22-23, 2022.
- Cancer.net’s mesothelioma guide
- The American Cancer Society’s mesothelioma guide
- The Lanier Law Firm's comprehensive mesothelioma pages
The Lanier Law Firm is one of the most experienced mesothelioma law firms in the country. We help mesothelioma patients hold those accountable who exposed them to asbestos. You may be entitled to substantial compensation. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.