Each year, approximately 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma, according to 2020 statistics.
That’s 3,000 individual diagnoses, 3,000 predictions of a prognosis, and 3,000 people whose lives changed the instant they learned the news.
Through the haze of working with doctors to determine the right treatment plan and the best ways to ease symptoms, there’s one important tool every survivor needs.
It’s a tool that can seem like a no-brainer, but also one that may be hard to come by for many mesothelioma-sufferers.
A support system.
And whether it’s made up of caring loved ones or new peers who are also fighting the disease, it is quickly becoming one of the most important tools in the battle against mesothelioma.
A Support System Improves Prognosis Outcomes
With all forms of cancer, a support system — particularly one that is made up of other cancer survivors — leads to longer outcomes and an overall lower risk of dying from the disease.
A notable 2006 breast cancer study found that ‘socially isolated’ women actually had an elevated risk of mortality after their diagnosis. This is presumably because there was a lack of access to beneficial caregiving from friends, relatives, and peers.
Doctors, psychologists, and researchers are seeing similar trends linking support systems and groups to better mesothelioma outcomes in both men and women. Built-in support goes a long way to improve overall patient well-being and positivity throughout the treatment process.
Patients can find comfort by:
- Having a safe environment to discuss experiences and coping skills
- Helping patients gain confidence about the future
- Giving patients hope and encouragement
- Providing social, emotional, and educational support
- Creating a better quality of life with a supportive community
Ways To Find Support When You Need It
A mesothelioma diagnosis can feel isolating, especially in the time of COVID. But there are still a lot of ways you can find support or help a loved one with a recent diagnosis find needed support.
- Find a Virtual Support Group – There are many mesothelioma and cancer diagnosis support groups online, from Facebook groups to groups spearheaded by mesothelioma research organizations and the American Cancer Society.
- Connect with In-Person Support Groups Through Your Doctor or Local Hospital – It may be tricky in the time of COVID, but in-person cancer support groups are still available in your community — and taking advantage of social distancing, outdoor meetings, and hybrid meeting approaches using Zoom or Google Meet. Ask your doctor for a recommendation or reach out to your local hospital patient advocacy contact for info.
- Reach Out to Family and Friends – Whether by a simple phone call, texting, emailing, or virtual calling, it’s important to stay connected with your loved ones and talk with them about your experience and feelings throughout the process. Proactively helping loved ones stay informed helps them better understand how they can best support you as a caregiver.
If You’ve Been Diagnosed with Mesothelioma, We’re Here To Help You
If your life has changed because of a recent mesothelioma diagnosis due to asbestos exposure in the workplace, we’re here to help you. We can help you understand your legal rights, determine if you have a case, work with your doctors, and help you find needed support. We’re more than just attorneys. We’re here to partner with you and your loved ones to help you through and get the compensation you deserve.
Contact us (504) 299-1214 at or send us a message.