In honor of Mesothelioma Awareness Day, learn how to support a loved one living with this rare cancer.

Do you know someone living with mesothelioma? Here’s how to support them.

September 26th, 2021 marks the 18th annual Mesothelioma Awareness Day. This day occurs in order to shed light on the rare cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos. While preventing asbestos exposure is possible, it can be difficult to know when you’re coming in contact with it. These encounters may lead to a future mesothelioma diagnosis.

Each year, there are approximately 3,000 new mesothelioma diagnoses in the United States. While this number may seem small in comparison to other cancer diagnoses, it does not make the cancer any less serious or harsh. However, because of the smaller number of cases, there is less funding and research available for finding a mesothelioma cure. This is why Mesothelioma Awareness Day occurs each year–– to spread awareness for this rare cancer and raise funds to continue research efforts.

If someone you know is living with mesothelioma cancer, such as a relative, friend, or even neighbor, keep reading to learn how you can best support them through this time.

Take Time To Learn About Mesothelioma

The first thing you can do to show your support for someone with mesothelioma is learning about their diagnosis and absorbing as much information as you can. This will show that you care and are invested in spending the time to learn about the condition on your own and not just relying on them to inform you.

 Some things you may want to consider researching:

• Treatments for mesothelioma
• Common symptoms and side effects of mesothelioma
• Mesothelioma statistics
• Local events or support services you could suggest
• Survivor stories

Gather Your Feelings and Emotions On Your Own First

Learning that someone close to you has been diagnosed with cancer can be an emotional roller coaster, especially when the survival rate of mesothelioma is so low. It’s important to come to terms with the diagnosis on your own and not dump your feelings on the person who has been diagnosed.

This is reasonably difficult, and while there is no right or wrong way to cope with this kind of news, just try your best to limit any negative feelings when you’re around a person who has mesothelioma. You want to make sure you’re being the best support system you can be to keep their spirits high.

Be Sensitive About What You Say

It’s difficult to know what to say when someone has cancer, but don’t overthink it. Instead, show compassion and kindness towards your loved one and treat them as you’d like to be treated during a stressful and uncertain time.

Here are some things you can say:

• “Please let me know how I can support you during this time. I care about you greatly.”
• “I’m always available to talk if you need an ear to listen.”
• “How are you truly doing?”
• “I am so sorry about your diagnosis. You mean so much to me and I want to help however I can.”

The most important thing is to be genuine and ask them how you can support them. Everyone’s needs are met differently, so be transparent about how you can play a role in helping support them through their mesothelioma diagnosis.

Help Through Acts Of Kindness

There are countless ways that you can be there to support someone with mesothelioma. The number one thing you can do is be kind and show your kindness through gestures that help them out. Life can be stressful when undergoing mesothelioma treatment, so lend a helping hand however you can.

Some things you could do include:

• Bringing over a home-cooked meal
• Picking up their kids from practice or school
• Shopping for groceries or stopping by the pharmacy for medications
• Offering to drive them to appointments or support groups
• Going for walks or helping them get out of the house
• Getting their mail or packages
• Putting together a virtual video chat with all of their favorite people
• Advocating for mesothelioma awareness

Additionally, someone living with mesothelioma typically has a close caregiver. Whether it be their spouse, a child, a parent, or a close friend, be sure to connect with their caregiver to see if there are ways you can support them, too.

Maintain The Relationship You Had Before Their Diagnosis

When an individual receives a cancer diagnosis, it may seem like that becomes the only thing that anyone ever talks to them about. While it is completely normal to show concern, it’s important to maintain the relationship you had before their diagnosis so that they know you don’t look at them any differently.

If you have traditions, such as a monthly coffee catch-up or annual trip you like to go on, don’t assume that they are no longer interested because of their mesothelioma diagnosis. Instead, ask them if they are still up for the occasion or if they’d like to do something else. They will appreciate your effort to make them feel included and that you still want to spend time together.

Check-In Frequently

When someone is going through cancer their main focus becomes their health, so it can become easy for them to lose touch. Make sure you don’t lose your connection throughout their treatment. Consider setting reminders to check in if you haven’t talked in a while.

Since mesothelioma is a form of lung cancer, it can be difficult for patients to hold a full-on conversation. To make sure they’re comfortable, ask them how they’d prefer to communicate. This could include texting, writing letters, or even sharing social media posts with one another. Whatever it may be, adapt to meet their needs and ask them how you can best give them support.

Closing Thoughts

It’s important to note that everyone handles their cancer diagnosis differently and they may make different choices than you would. That is okay. The most important thing is that you are supportive of their decisions and are there along the way.  

Also, be sure to still be supportive when cancer treatments are over. It’s a lot to process and cancer takes a toll on someone emotionally, even after treatment ends. Continue to show your support and remain a source of positivity and encouragement for your loved one.

Additional Resources

There are many resources available to both cancer patients and caregivers. If you are interested in joining a support group, please visit the Cancer Pathways website. We have over 10 support groups to choose from and are all currently being implemented virtually, via Zoom. Cancer Pathways, formerly Gilda’s Club Seattle, is a nonprofit that provides social and emotional support to anyone impacted by cancer. Our mission is that no one faces cancer alone. 

If you are looking for additional information about mesothelioma or Mesothelioma Awareness Day on September 26, please visit mesothelioma.com.