Managing Mesothelioma: Vital Tips for Older Adults and Their Caregivers

Managing Mesothelioma: Vital Tips for Older Adults and Their Caregivers

ByHolly Zink

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. It most often affects the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), but it can also impact the lining of the abdomen, heart, or testicles. Older adults, especially those who worked in industries with high asbestos exposure, are at greater risk. A new article from the Australasian Journal on Ageing provides important information for elderly Americans and their caregivers on understanding and managing mesothelioma. What is Mesothelioma? Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the thin layer of tissue covering most internal organs. The most common type, pleural mesothelioma, affects the tissues around the lungs. The leading cause is asbestos exposure. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or swallowed, they…

Caring at a Cost: Exploring Caregiver Burden and Quality of Life in Terminal Cancer Care

Caring at a Cost: Exploring Caregiver Burden and Quality of Life in Terminal Cancer Care

ByHolly Zink

Caring for a loved one with terminal cancer is a journey filled with challenges. It is also filled with moments that can deeply impact caregivers. A recent study sought to understand the link between the burden of care and the quality of life among primary caregivers. The findings show a direct correlation between the burden of care and various facets of caregivers’ quality of life. It particularly highlights the negative impacts of caregiver roles and personal strains. Understanding Caregiver Burden The study involved 97 primary caregivers of terminal-phase cancer patients. It aimed to show how the burden of care influences various dimensions of caregivers’ quality of life. Using survey questions, researchers focused on the adult carer’s quality of life. A…

Veterans with Mesothelioma and the Unique Challenges They Face
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Veterans with Mesothelioma and the Unique Challenges They Face

ByHolly Zink

Veterans with mesothelioma and their caregivers face unique challenges. Patients and their caregivers often feel anxiety, depression, and stress. But we do not know enough about the experiences of veterans with mesothelioma or their caregivers. Researchers from the University of Sheffield spoke to six veterans and their family caregivers. They wanted to find out more about their experiences with mesothelioma. Understanding the Experiences of Veterans with Mesothelioma The results of these interviews were published in the scientific journal Cancer Nursing Practice. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that grows in the lining of organs like the lungs. It is caused by exposure to a toxic mineral called asbestos. Mesothelioma is also a rare disease that has a poor outlook. It…

Mesothelioma Caregivers at Risk for Depression
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Mesothelioma Caregivers at Risk for Depression

ByHolly Zink

People who care for someone with malignant pleural mesothelioma are at risk for depression and trouble attending work. Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a cancer that forms in the lining of the lungs. It is caused by exposure to asbestos. Most patients with mesothelioma are elderly and male. Treatment for mesothelioma is difficult and the five-year survival rate is poor. A MPM diagnosis is extremely difficult for a family. Both the patient and their caregivers can feel hopelessness and uncertainty. Mesothelioma Caregivers at Risk Researchers from the United Kingdom wanted to find out how taking care of someone with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) affects the person who takes care of them. The researchers wanted to know things like who the…

Meeting the Needs of Mesothelioma Patients and Caregivers
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Meeting the Needs of Mesothelioma Patients and Caregivers

ByHolly Zink

A study published earlier this year found that mesothelioma patients and their caregivers have many unmet support needs. Mesothelioma is a cancer that forms in the lining of organs like the lungs. It is caused by exposure to asbestos. Most patients with mesothelioma are elderly and male. Treatment for mesothelioma is difficult and the five-year survival rate is poor. A mesothelioma diagnosis can be devastating for a family. Patients and their caregivers can experience hopelessness, blame, and psychological distress. They also face uncertainty around financial issues and medical concerns. The painful symptoms of mesothelioma are a huge source of stress, as well. There is not much information currently available about the psychosocial support needs of people living with mesothelioma and…

Reducing Mesothelioma Stress for Minority Patients and Caregivers
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Reducing Mesothelioma Stress for Minority Patients and Caregivers

ByHolly Zink

A cancer diagnosis like mesothelioma can be difficult for both patients and caregivers. Often, minorities with cancer and their caregivers experience more distress. A new study has found that LGBTQI cancer patients and caregivers can reduce “minority stress.” This is possible with support from partners, friends, and family. Minority stress is chronic stress from living with an LGBTQI identity. Facing Discrimination as a Cancer Patient LGBTQI people experience prejudice in their lives because of their identity. This can include stigma, hostility, and violence. Add in a cancer diagnosis, and some LGBTQI cancer patients struggle with self-blame and suicidal thoughts. The team looked at LGBTQI cancer patients and their treatment for mesothelioma. LGBTQI cancer patients fear more discrimination from doctors, nurses,…

Humor Helps Stressed Veteran Mesothelioma Caregivers
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Humor Helps Stressed Veteran Mesothelioma Caregivers

ByHolly Zink

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…

Stories from Wives and Caregivers of People with Mesothelioma
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Stories from Wives and Caregivers of People with Mesothelioma

ByHolly Zink

A new Australian study looked at people who took care of mesothelioma patients.  The study found that caretakers needed different types of support. Mesothelioma is a cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Patients with mesothelioma, and their caregivers, are known to have some of the highest unmet needs of all cancer populations. Researchers talked to fourteen caregivers recruited from the Asbestos Diseases Foundation of Australia (ADFA). Of those interviewed, 13 were wives, and one was a daughter. Seven were retired at the time of the patients’ mesothelioma diagnosis, and 4 stopped work to provide care. Researchers used the feedback to assess best practices for follow-up care for mesothelioma. They now plan to share these best practices with clinicians across the…

Mesothelioma Surveillance Protocols, Quality of Life, and Patient Hope
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Mesothelioma Surveillance Protocols, Quality of Life, and Patient Hope

ByHolly Zink

Mesothelioma surveillance protocols are a series of medical tests. Surveillance is designed to detect and track cancer progression. Surveillance protocols also check treatment effectiveness. And they provide patients with reassurance and hope. A new study identified the effectiveness of mesothelioma surveillance protocols. This study focused on patients who have noncurative treatment intent. Importance of Reassurance and Hope Findings from nine different studies identified the need for reassurance and hope as part of surveillance. They also highlighted the importance of trust and relationships. Follow-up and surveillance models provide patients with continuity, reassurance, and updates on condition. Continuity ensured patients knew who to contact if they had a new symptom or concern. Patient hopes for follow-up were for management of pain and…

New Tool Measures Stress Levels Among Mesothelioma Caregivers
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New Tool Measures Stress Levels Among Mesothelioma Caregivers

ByAlex Strauss

Preliminary tests of a new tool designed to measure stress levels among mesothelioma caregivers shows that the tool is both reliable and helpful.  The tool was developed by occupational medicine researchers in Rome. Their goal was to create a “short, flexible, and comprehensive tool” to detect psychological distress in carers.  The team recently tested the tool in a group of mesothelioma caregivers. Their results have just been published in the journal Psycho-Oncology.  The Strain of Caring for a Loved One with Mesothelioma Malignant mesothelioma is a highly lethal type of membrane cancer. Most mesothelioma patients lived or worked around asbestos.  Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of mesothelioma. It affects about 2,000 people in the US every year. Another…