Understanding the Mental Health Impact of Mesothelioma

Understanding the Mental Health Impact of Mesothelioma

ByHolly Zink

Living with mesothelioma can be very challenging for both patients and their families. Mesothelioma is an incurable cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. A recent study was published in the European Journal of Oncology Nursing. Scientists investigated the impact of mesothelioma on mental health and well-being. They also looked at the frequency of mental health conditions among patients and informal caregivers. The Hidden Struggle The study involved a survey of mesothelioma patients and informal caregivers. It also used semi-structured interviews with a smaller group of participants. The survey used validated scales to assess various mental health aspects. These included health-related quality of life, anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress, and posttraumatic growth. The results showed significant challenges faced by both patients and…

Coping with Cancer: Understanding Veterans’ Experiences

Coping with Cancer: Understanding Veterans’ Experiences

ByHolly Zink

Living with lung cancer can be tough, especially for veterans who have served their country. A recent study looked at how veterans feel and cope with lung cancer. While the study looked at veterans with lung cancer, its findings can also help veterans with mesothelioma. Psychological Challenges in Veterans Mesothelioma, caused by asbestos exposure, can make veterans feel sad, worried, or stressed, just like lung cancer does. By understanding how veterans with lung cancer cope, we can learn how to help veterans with mesothelioma too. This could lead to better support programs that help veterans with mesothelioma feel better and improve their lives. The study looked at 60 veterans with different types of lung cancer. They used tests to see…

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…

Navigating Love, Mental Health, and Mesothelioma
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Navigating Love, Mental Health, and Mesothelioma

ByHolly Zink

Divorced mesothelioma patients may be more likely to be depressed, according to a new study from the journal Palliative and Supportive Care. Researchers from the United States measured the quality of life, coping, depression, and social support of 67 mesothelioma patients. Most of these patients coped with their diagnosis with active coping, emotional support, and acceptance. Mesothelioma Diagnosis Malignant mesothelioma is a disease linked to asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma is often diagnosed in older people, and survival rates are poor. There are approximately 2,000 cases of mesothelioma in the United States every year. People with mesothelioma might start to feel shortness of breath, chest pain, and weight loss. Symptoms first appear after a long latency period of 20 to 50 years….

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…

Social Distancing for Mesothelioma Patients: Unexpected Upside?
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Social Distancing for Mesothelioma Patients: Unexpected Upside?

ByAlex Strauss

As concern about the novel coronavirus spreads around the world, there could be an unexpected upside to social distancing for mesothelioma patients.  Social distancing is the recommendation that people not gather in larger groups. Even in smaller settings, the CDC recommends that people stay at least six feet apart from one another to avoid spreading the virus.  The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is caused by the virus SARS-CoV2. Because humans have not yet built up immunity to SARS-CoV2, it is more likely to make them sick. Mesothelioma patients may have even lower resistance to disease. This is why social distancing for mesothelioma patients is especially important. As people become more aware of the threat to themselves at others, they are less…

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…