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,…

Mesothelioma Clinical Trials: Are Minorities Underrepresented?
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Mesothelioma Clinical Trials: Are Minorities Underrepresented?

ByAlex Strauss

The results of a new study from Harvard and Dana Farber Cancer Institute raise the question of whether ethnic minorities are being fairly represented in mesothelioma clinical trials. The study focused on four of the most common types of cancer in the US: breast, prostate, lung, and colorectal cancer.  It looked at demographic data for close to 6,000 people enrolled in precision oncology trials for these cancers. Researchers found that clinical trials tend to favor white and Asian patients over Hispanic and black patients.  The study could have implications for mesothelioma clinical trials of new, tailored treatments.  Precision Oncology and Mesothelioma Clinical Trials Malignant mesothelioma is a challenging cancer to treat. Mesothelioma cells are good at protecting themselves from damaging…