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…

Improving Mental Health and Quality of Life for Cancer Patients

Improving Mental Health and Quality of Life for Cancer Patients

ByHolly Zink

A study out of Greece suggests that recognizing and addressing demoralization early can help improve cancer patients’ mental health. The goal of the study was to look at how anxiety and depression affect cancer patients’ lives and health services. Measuring Anxiety and Depression The researchers in this study talked to 150 cancer patients from two cancer centers. They used survey tools to measure anxiety, depression, and demoralization. Demoralization is when someone feels like they have lost hope and are discouraged about their situation. Someone who is experiencing demoralization might have a hard time finding meaning in their life. People with mesothelioma often struggle with anxiety, depression, and demoralization. Mesothelioma is a cancer that forms in the lining of organs like…

Understanding the Psychological Effects of Mesothelioma
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Understanding the Psychological Effects of Mesothelioma

ByAlex Strauss

A new study is shedding light on the psychological effects of mesothelioma on patients and their caregivers.  Researchers at the University of Sheffield in the UK reviewed more than 35 years worth of medical literature to find relevant studies. They say the psychological effects of mesothelioma revolve around timelines, emotions, and communication. They also suggest that more should be done to understand the unique burdens of mesothelioma caregivers.  Rarity of Mesothelioma May Impact the Psychological Effects  Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer of internal membranes. It can be a lonely disease for caregivers and patients. Only about 2,500 Americans receive a mesothelioma diagnosis each year making it one of the rarest types of cancer. In many cases, a family may…

Is There a Risk for Depression Among Pleural Mesothelioma Patients?
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Is There a Risk for Depression Among Pleural Mesothelioma Patients?

ByAlex Strauss

Newly diagnosed pleural mesothelioma patients may be at higher risk for depression and that could be impacting their outcomes.   A new report finds that people diagnosed with advanced lung cancers are more likely to suffer from depression. Pleural mesothelioma is a form of lung cancer.  This risk for depression appears to have an impact on patients’ quality of life, their pain, and even the number of complications they experience.  Assessing the Risk for Depression in Cancer Patients Researchers at Ohio State University directed the study. It included 186 patients with Stage IV non-small-cell lung cancer. The patients had not yet started their cancer treatment.  Although pleural mesothelioma is not the same as non-small cell lung cancer, the two diseases share…

Depression After Mesothelioma Diagnosis: Women Are at Highest Risk
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Depression After Mesothelioma Diagnosis: Women Are at Highest Risk

ByAlex Strauss

White women are more likely than other patients to experience depression after mesothelioma diagnosis.  That word comes from researchers at the University of Florida. The team analyzed the cases of more than 120,000 patients with late-stage cancer.  Although all patients face a risk of depression with an advanced cancer diagnosis, the problem appears to be worse among white women.  The research team says understanding how cancer news affects patients can help doctors avoid diagnosis bias.   Cancer Records from the SEER Database The Florida study provides important insights into who is likely to get depression after mesothelioma diagnosis.  The study included 123,066 advanced cancer cases from the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. All study subjects received their diagnosis between…