Using Virtual Reality to Support Mesothelioma Emotional Health
A Virtual Reality (VR) experience may be useful in helping mesothelioma patients cope with their diagnosis. This out-of-body experience can help increase stress tolerance and patient empowerment. Italian researchers are looking at VR interventions to improve cancer patients’ well-being. VR can be useful to support mesothelioma patients in coping with distressing situations. One VR experience is with a resilient cancer patient who is facing similar difficulties. This can help train patients how to cope with cancer-related difficulties. If the patient endures a difficult situation in the VR simulation, they will be more likely to cope well in real life. Scenarios endured through a VR experience can build a patient’s resilience. The study found that patients who used the VR experience … Continue reading Using Virtual Reality to Support Mesothelioma Emotional Health
Humor Helps Stressed Veteran Mesothelioma Caregivers
Mesothelioma, the asbestos-caused cancer, has a high symptom burden in British military veterans. There is little research on what it is like to live with mesothelioma as a veteran. Or what it is like for veteran mesothelioma caregivers. New research has been published in the journal of Illness, Crisis & Loss on this topic. The article highlights how veterans and their families cope with the stress of the disease. Asbestos Exposure in the British Military Malignant mesothelioma is a disease linked to asbestos exposure. Asbestos exposure in the British Armed Forces has been documented. Many were exposed in damaged buildings during conflict and aid delivery. Mesothelioma is often diagnosed in older people, and survival rates are poor. Symptoms first appear … Continue reading Humor Helps Stressed Veteran Mesothelioma Caregivers
The RARECARE Project: An International Network Includes Mesothelioma
The RARECARE Project is a network of international clinicians who support rare tumor patients. This includes malignant mesothelioma, the asbestos-caused cancer. RARECARE wants to ensure access to clinical trials. And to the second opinion of cancer specialists. They are working towards guaranteeing equal health care access and better care management. Humble Beginnings In 2008, the European Commission started the RARECARE project. It is a cancer registry with patient data. They are trying to define the incidence, prevalence, and outcome of rare cancers. Soon, the RARECARE registry led to a second project, RARECAREnet. This updated and enlarged the available information on rare cancers in Europe. Mesothelioma remains one of the rarest of rare cancers. It is more common in the UK … Continue reading The RARECARE Project: An International Network Includes Mesothelioma
New Tool Measures Past Exposure to Asbestos
A new Italian study supports the most reliable tool for determining past exposure to asbestos. The study has confirmed what thousands of mesothelioma patients already know. Exposure to asbestos puts them at high risk for malignant mesothelioma. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been found throughout the world. It was once called the “magic mineral” because of its seemingly magical properties. Because of its heat-resistant properties, it served as an insulator in factories, schools, homes, and ships. Thousands of workers have come in contact with the material daily, in some cases, for decades. Asbestos is toxic and cancer-causing for human beings. It causes mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. Generally, those who develop asbestos-related diseases show no signs of … Continue reading New Tool Measures Past Exposure to Asbestos
Major Effect of COVID-19 on Mesothelioma Patient Survival in Italy
The COVID‐19 pandemic had a major effect on some mesothelioma patients in Italy. A new study in Medical & Clinical Research shows how the pandemic harmed new diagnoses and survival. Malignant mesothelioma is one of the rarest types of cancer. Many people have never even heard of ‘asbestos cancer’ until they are diagnosed. Most do not know anyone else who has it. Social distancing to protect themselves against COVID-19 compounds the problem. The timely diagnosis of mesothelioma is important. Although it may not change the prognosis of the disease, it can help in treatment strategies. Treatment delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic had a major effect on survival rates for some patients. Survival Rate during Pandemic During the COVID-19 pandemic, … Continue reading Major Effect of COVID-19 on Mesothelioma Patient Survival in Italy
Mesothelioma Multidisciplinary Team Improves Patient Outcomes
Oxford University Hospital found that a multidisciplinary team is best in mesothelioma care. This treatment approach includes many doctors who are experts in different specialties. Together, they offer the best clinical decision-making team, and they improve patient outcomes. There are many factors that impact clinical decision-making. But this new report focuses on which factors improve mesothelioma patient care. And which factors support informed decisions about follow-up care. Results showed that the most important factor is a strong team of doctors. Two Heads are Better than One Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a rare, incurable cancer coming from asbestos exposure. Patients have a poor prognosis and a median survival rate of 8 to 14 months. Differences in mesothelioma clinical decision-making are common. … Continue reading Mesothelioma Multidisciplinary Team Improves Patient Outcomes
Easing the Painful Symptoms of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
Malignant pleural mesothelioma is an aggressive and rare cancer. There is new hope for reducing the painful symptoms of malignant pleural mesothelioma. A new study in BMC Cancer looked at treatments and the symptom burden of malignant pleural mesothelioma in Europe. The symptoms of malignant pleural mesothelioma are very hard. But there are treatments available to improve quality of life. New data proves that chemotherapy eases mesothelioma symptoms. And it is most likely to improve and maintain health-related quality of life. The Long Journey of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is the asbestos-caused cancer. Malignant pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of mesothelioma. It accounts for over 90,000 deaths per year globally. It takes a very long time to diagnose mesothelioma. Usually, … Continue reading Easing the Painful Symptoms of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
Identifying New MicroRNA Tumor Biomarkers for Mesothelioma
Identifying New MicroRNA Tumor Biomarkers for Mesothelioma Italian researchers have taken an important step forwards in what amounts to a microRNA tumor biomarker for mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos fibers causes malignant pleural mesothelioma. An early diagnosis and comprehensive health monitoring is vital for patients exposed to asbestos fibers. Researchers at the University of Catania in Italy say these two clinical issues “may be solved by the identification of specific biomarkers.” A new article in Nature Scientific Reports identifies RNA molecules could serve as a microRNA signature for mesothelioma. This “signature” could help doctors distinguish mesothelioma from other types of cancer. The Challenge of Mesothelioma Diagnosis Pleural mesothelioma is particularly hard to diagnose. The early symptoms of mesothelioma are similar to the … Continue reading Identifying New MicroRNA Tumor Biomarkers for Mesothelioma
Encouragement for Mesothelioma Patients with Indwelling Pleural Catheters (IPCs)
Mesothelioma patients with an (IPC) for pleural effusion are encouraged. The device is now recommended and widely used as a first-line treatment. In fact, IPCs may even eventually facilitate new kinds of mesothelioma treatments. In a study on how IPCs compare with other treatment options, researchers examined the benefits and drawbacks of IPCs. The study included patients with a broad range of cancer, including malignant mesothelioma. The rest had either breast cancer or lung cancer. IPCs for Pleural Effusion The buildup of excess lung fluid is known as pleural effusion. It is one of the most life-limiting and bothersome side effects of mesothelioma. As mesothelioma tumors grow, the body often reacts by filling the pleural space around the lungs with … Continue reading Encouragement for Mesothelioma Patients with Indwelling Pleural Catheters (IPCs)
Mesothelioma Patients Underrepresented in European National Cancer Data
Cancer patient surveys are important for improving healthcare practice and policy. A new study suggests mesothelioma patients may be underrepresented in this important survey. The goal of the National Cancer Patient Experience Survey is to improve European cancer care. In order to be useful, this survey should represent all cancer patients. Cancer Patient Data Collection using a National Survey Patient feedback from healthcare services is important for informing healthcare quality. And data from patient surveys directly impact policy to improve care. In the United Kingdom, there are many surveys that collect information on patient experiences. For people with cancer, a National Cancer Patient Experience Survey has been taken annually for the last 12 years. It surveys over 65,000 people with … Continue reading Mesothelioma Patients Underrepresented in European National Cancer Data
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