Meeting the Needs of Mesothelioma Patients and Caregivers
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 … Continue reading Meeting the Needs of Mesothelioma Patients and Caregivers
Reducing Mesothelioma Stress for Minority Patients and Caregivers
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, … Continue reading Reducing Mesothelioma Stress for Minority Patients and Caregivers
Balancing Work and Mesothelioma Cancer Care
A new study from Baylor College of Medicine gives a recipe to support cancer caregivers. Caregiving for a family member or close friend with cancer can be hard. And it can be even more demanding for those who are employed. It is difficult to juggle work responsibilities while providing mesothelioma care. A new article in the Cancers journal highlights resources to support these caregivers. They describe the financial, work, and mental health impacts of cancer care. They provide tips for employers, healthcare, and community-based organizations to support these caregivers. The Experience of Employed Cancer Caregivers Individuals with mesothelioma most usually rely on their informal caregivers. Informal caregivers are usually the patient’s spouse or partner, a family member, or a close friend. … Continue reading Balancing Work and Mesothelioma Cancer Care
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
Stories from Wives and Caregivers of People with Mesothelioma
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 … Continue reading Stories from Wives and Caregivers of People with Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma Surveillance Protocols, Quality of Life, and Patient Hope
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 … Continue reading Mesothelioma Surveillance Protocols, Quality of Life, and Patient Hope
New Tool Measures Stress Levels Among Mesothelioma Caregivers
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 … Continue reading New Tool Measures Stress Levels Among Mesothelioma Caregivers
Get your free copy of
“Surviving Mesothelioma” Today!