Since there is no cure for mesothelioma cancer, research grants are extremely important in the fight to discover a cure for this rare disease. A recent increase in requests for a mesothelioma grant highlights the importance of research funding and the need for more grant money.
The Meso Foundation Research Grant Program, started in 2000 by the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (MARF or Meso Foundation), is the primary independent source of mesothelioma research funding in the United States. To date, the Meso Foundation has funded nearly $6 million in mesothelioma-related research projects throughout the world.
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that is almost always caused by asbestos exposure. The disease has a long latency period of 20 to 50 years. Mesothelioma statistics report that averages of 2,000 to 3,000 cases of the disease are reported in the United States annually. Unfortunately, symptoms of the cancer do not arise until later stages of development when treatment options are limited. There currently is no cure for this disease and most treatment efforts are palliative, aiming to relieve pain rather than cure the cancer.
Because there is no cure, researching the disease is extremely important to improving a patient’s prognosis and their quality of life. In an effort to help find a cure, MARF started the Meso Foundation Research Grant Program and today remains the primary source of mesothelioma research funding. In 2008 alone, a total of 59 researchers from around the globe applied for grant money from the Meso Foundation.
To help with the selection process, a scientific review panel of 21 experts in the field reviews the applications and ranks them according to importance. Of those 59 applicants from 2008, the top five projects were selected to receive funding by MARF’s board of directors. Projects that receive funding are often researching strategies for early diagnosis, new treatment options or pain management.
Source
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Mesothelioma Patients Need Emotional Care, Too
Mesothelioma patients, as well as their caregivers, are under a huge amount of anxiety and stress, and many report that they receive little support to help them deal with the psychological impact of living with the disease, according to a review of studies published in the European Journal of Cancer Care.
Even with the most sophisticated treatments available, mesothelioma survival rates have improved little over the years. Patients often face a poor prognosis; many live for little more than a year after being diagnosed. Patients are left to grapple with the emotional impact of their prognosis, as well as with symptoms that can be severe enough to interfere with every aspect of their lives. Because this cancer is so rare, the psychological toll of mesothelioma on both patients and caregivers hasn’t been well studied, and doctors often don’t know how to address their patients’ emotional needs.
“It is important for clinicians to understand the social, emotional, and physical impact of the disease if they are to fully meet patient and family member needs,” explains Sally Moore, Nursing Research Fellow with Royal Marsden Hospital in Sutton, England. “Most clinicians see very few patients with mesothelioma and teams have tended to ‘lump’ or group patients with mesothelioma in with their population of patients with lung cancer.”
Doctors may assume the experience is the same for both diseases. In reality, mesothelioma patients may need very different care than lung cancer patients, in part because mesothelioma is more difficult to diagnose than lung cancer, and there is far greater uncertainty surrounding its prognosis and treatment, Moore says.
To find out what is already known about the experience of living with mesothelioma, and to identify what still needs to be learned, Moore and her colleagues did a search of the currently available research. They found just 13 relevant studies that discussed patient quality of life and symptoms.
Even though few of these studies were focused specifically on the experience of living with mesothelioma, they did highlight the impact mesothelioma can have on patients, both physically and emotionally. Most patients reported experiencing significant symptoms, particularly pain, breathlessness, cough, appetite loss, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping. These symptoms often were not being treated effectively, and were having a significant affect on patients’ social interactions and ability to function on a day-to-day basis.
As significant as these physical symptoms were, the emotional effects of mesothelioma were even more profound. Patients reported feeling anxious, depressed, afraid, and isolated. Their caregivers faced an even higher emotional toll from the disease. Many caregivers indicated that they were not receiving the support they needed from health care professionals.
This study highlights the necessity for more research on the physical and emotional needs of mesothelioma patients, so that health care providers can develop new strategies to meet those needs, Moore says. It’s also important for health care providers to recognize the emotional and physical toll of caring for a patient with mesothelioma, she says. “We need better assessment of caregivers’ needs and strategies to ensure better preparation, education, and support of caregivers in their care-giving role.”
Source
Even with the most sophisticated treatments available, mesothelioma survival rates have improved little over the years. Patients often face a poor prognosis; many live for little more than a year after being diagnosed. Patients are left to grapple with the emotional impact of their prognosis, as well as with symptoms that can be severe enough to interfere with every aspect of their lives. Because this cancer is so rare, the psychological toll of mesothelioma on both patients and caregivers hasn’t been well studied, and doctors often don’t know how to address their patients’ emotional needs.
“It is important for clinicians to understand the social, emotional, and physical impact of the disease if they are to fully meet patient and family member needs,” explains Sally Moore, Nursing Research Fellow with Royal Marsden Hospital in Sutton, England. “Most clinicians see very few patients with mesothelioma and teams have tended to ‘lump’ or group patients with mesothelioma in with their population of patients with lung cancer.”
Doctors may assume the experience is the same for both diseases. In reality, mesothelioma patients may need very different care than lung cancer patients, in part because mesothelioma is more difficult to diagnose than lung cancer, and there is far greater uncertainty surrounding its prognosis and treatment, Moore says.
To find out what is already known about the experience of living with mesothelioma, and to identify what still needs to be learned, Moore and her colleagues did a search of the currently available research. They found just 13 relevant studies that discussed patient quality of life and symptoms.
Even though few of these studies were focused specifically on the experience of living with mesothelioma, they did highlight the impact mesothelioma can have on patients, both physically and emotionally. Most patients reported experiencing significant symptoms, particularly pain, breathlessness, cough, appetite loss, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping. These symptoms often were not being treated effectively, and were having a significant affect on patients’ social interactions and ability to function on a day-to-day basis.
As significant as these physical symptoms were, the emotional effects of mesothelioma were even more profound. Patients reported feeling anxious, depressed, afraid, and isolated. Their caregivers faced an even higher emotional toll from the disease. Many caregivers indicated that they were not receiving the support they needed from health care professionals.
This study highlights the necessity for more research on the physical and emotional needs of mesothelioma patients, so that health care providers can develop new strategies to meet those needs, Moore says. It’s also important for health care providers to recognize the emotional and physical toll of caring for a patient with mesothelioma, she says. “We need better assessment of caregivers’ needs and strategies to ensure better preparation, education, and support of caregivers in their care-giving role.”
Source
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Mesothelioma Resource Site Provides Help and Information for Asbestos Cancer Patients
November 05, 2009 ) New York, NY - IQ Mesothelioma is pleased to provide a comprehensive Mesothelioma Help Center for mesothelioma cancer patients and their loved ones. In the aftermath of a mesothelioma diagnosis, you likely have many questions and concerns. To help you through this difficult time, IQ Mesothelioma has gathered free resources and information on several topics that are often on the minds of those who have developed mesothelioma after asbestos exposure.
One of many important decisions you must make after a mesothelioma diagnosis is where you will be treated and which doctor you will trust your care to. Articles covering “Choosing a Mesothelioma Doctor” and “Choosing a Cancer Treatment Facility” offer general guidelines and practical advice to help you with these decisions. You might also consider joining a mesothelioma cancer support group. These groups can vary in their structure and focus, so it is important to find a group that suits your needs and personality. An article entitled “Support for Mesothelioma Patients and Families” outlines sources of support for mesothelioma patients, as well as how to find the right support group. A list of Mesothelioma Cancer Support Groups is also available on the site to help you get started in your search.
If you are the friend or family member of a mesothelioma patient, you may be wondering what you can do to help. In addition to offering your support and assistance, you might consider making a donation to a cancer foundation or volunteering your time to a charitable cancer organization. This is a great way to make a difference in the lives of cancer patients and support the search for a cure. Take the first step toward getting involved by visiting IQ Mesothelioma’s Cancer Charity & Foundation Directory. A list of cancer organizations in each state, as well as a link to the organization’s website and a contact phone number, is available to help you find a charity near you.
If you are interested in reviewing the articles and information in the Mesothelioma Help Center, visit http://www.iqmesothelioma.com/ today. Additional resources on the site include a national database of mesothelioma doctors and cancer treatment centers, articles about the types of mesothelioma treatment, and information about mesothelioma clinical trials.
No one should have to face mesothelioma alone. At IQ Mesothelioma, our goal is to help you find the doctor, treatment center, and support group that’s right for you, so that you have a strong team on your side as you fight this disease.
One of many important decisions you must make after a mesothelioma diagnosis is where you will be treated and which doctor you will trust your care to. Articles covering “Choosing a Mesothelioma Doctor” and “Choosing a Cancer Treatment Facility” offer general guidelines and practical advice to help you with these decisions. You might also consider joining a mesothelioma cancer support group. These groups can vary in their structure and focus, so it is important to find a group that suits your needs and personality. An article entitled “Support for Mesothelioma Patients and Families” outlines sources of support for mesothelioma patients, as well as how to find the right support group. A list of Mesothelioma Cancer Support Groups is also available on the site to help you get started in your search.
If you are the friend or family member of a mesothelioma patient, you may be wondering what you can do to help. In addition to offering your support and assistance, you might consider making a donation to a cancer foundation or volunteering your time to a charitable cancer organization. This is a great way to make a difference in the lives of cancer patients and support the search for a cure. Take the first step toward getting involved by visiting IQ Mesothelioma’s Cancer Charity & Foundation Directory. A list of cancer organizations in each state, as well as a link to the organization’s website and a contact phone number, is available to help you find a charity near you.
If you are interested in reviewing the articles and information in the Mesothelioma Help Center, visit http://www.iqmesothelioma.com/ today. Additional resources on the site include a national database of mesothelioma doctors and cancer treatment centers, articles about the types of mesothelioma treatment, and information about mesothelioma clinical trials.
No one should have to face mesothelioma alone. At IQ Mesothelioma, our goal is to help you find the doctor, treatment center, and support group that’s right for you, so that you have a strong team on your side as you fight this disease.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
New Healthcare Plan Requires those Diagnosed with Mesothelioma to Seek Truth
Obama’s new healthcare overhaul is causing uproar among Americans due to the misinformation and false claims that are being widely spread. Politics have created an ugly controversy that is overshadowing the truth behind this reform. Misconstruing language is being thrown between parties is causing the new healthcare reform plan to be portrayed as disingenuous and misconceiving.
One of the stronger statements being used by the Republican Party is the concept of “death panels”. These are described as entities created by the government to decide who receives treatment. Language such as this has sparked a fear in the population and those facing fatal illness are worried about their right to treatment options. A heavily disputed provision in the proposal is the government would pay for doctor consultations for those facing end-of-life issues. Those opposing to the healthcare overhaul have claimed that these consultations would be mandatory, though the actual proposal states that they would be voluntary.
This healthcare crisis will cause implications for those suffering from fatal illnesses, such as aggressive forms of cancer like mesothelioma. This type of cancer occurs in the mesothelium which is a thin layer of cells that line the body’s internal organs. Taking anywhere from 20 to 50 years to develop, this cancer is often found in older patients. Often called asbestos cancer, mesothelioma cancer is caused by the inhalation of dangerous asbestos fibers. The latency of the diagnosis is most haunting because of the similarity of the mesothelioma symptoms to those of the flu, pneumonia or bronchitis. Since these symptoms are commonly ignored for quite some time, the patient is often left with an intense treatment regime to try and stabilize the cancer as well as provide comfort and palliative care.
As the role of the federal government increased with the onset of the new healthcare proposal, cancer treatment regimes will have to be given a second look. The lack of stability within our healthcare system will greatly affect the nature of mesothelioma treatment protocol.
Leading doctors in this field such as Dr. Hedy Lee Kindler will also face changes as the government will streamline physician’s procedures.
Source
One of the stronger statements being used by the Republican Party is the concept of “death panels”. These are described as entities created by the government to decide who receives treatment. Language such as this has sparked a fear in the population and those facing fatal illness are worried about their right to treatment options. A heavily disputed provision in the proposal is the government would pay for doctor consultations for those facing end-of-life issues. Those opposing to the healthcare overhaul have claimed that these consultations would be mandatory, though the actual proposal states that they would be voluntary.
This healthcare crisis will cause implications for those suffering from fatal illnesses, such as aggressive forms of cancer like mesothelioma. This type of cancer occurs in the mesothelium which is a thin layer of cells that line the body’s internal organs. Taking anywhere from 20 to 50 years to develop, this cancer is often found in older patients. Often called asbestos cancer, mesothelioma cancer is caused by the inhalation of dangerous asbestos fibers. The latency of the diagnosis is most haunting because of the similarity of the mesothelioma symptoms to those of the flu, pneumonia or bronchitis. Since these symptoms are commonly ignored for quite some time, the patient is often left with an intense treatment regime to try and stabilize the cancer as well as provide comfort and palliative care.
As the role of the federal government increased with the onset of the new healthcare proposal, cancer treatment regimes will have to be given a second look. The lack of stability within our healthcare system will greatly affect the nature of mesothelioma treatment protocol.
Leading doctors in this field such as Dr. Hedy Lee Kindler will also face changes as the government will streamline physician’s procedures.
Source
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Cancer danger from carpet: doctor
Homeowners have been warned to treat their carpets with care or risk getting cancer.
Respiratory physician Bill Musk is concerned that hessian bags used to transport deadly asbestos products were later reused as carpet underlay.
Anyone who gets exposed to the underlay risks contracting mesothelioma, an incurable cancer, he says.
"So carpet underfelt from these bags is definitely potentially dangerous," Professor Musk told the ABC's 7.30 Report yesterday.
He told the program of people who had contracted mesothelioma or experienced lung problems, where the cause appeared to be related to carpet.
The program interviewed several people who believed some mesothelioma victims had been exposed to asbestos fibres from carpets.
A spokesman for Western Australia's Health Department, which has looked into the problem, urged home renovators to take care with their carpets.
"The main thing is to not disturb it and try and get some advice as to whether there is any dust in their house," he told the program.
He said people should hire professionals to rip up carpet underlay and to clean the house thoroughly afterwards.
The program said the bags were used in carpet underlay until the 1970s, and, while it was not known how many homes were affected, it could be in the tens of thousands.
Source
Respiratory physician Bill Musk is concerned that hessian bags used to transport deadly asbestos products were later reused as carpet underlay.
Anyone who gets exposed to the underlay risks contracting mesothelioma, an incurable cancer, he says.
"So carpet underfelt from these bags is definitely potentially dangerous," Professor Musk told the ABC's 7.30 Report yesterday.
He told the program of people who had contracted mesothelioma or experienced lung problems, where the cause appeared to be related to carpet.
The program interviewed several people who believed some mesothelioma victims had been exposed to asbestos fibres from carpets.
A spokesman for Western Australia's Health Department, which has looked into the problem, urged home renovators to take care with their carpets.
"The main thing is to not disturb it and try and get some advice as to whether there is any dust in their house," he told the program.
He said people should hire professionals to rip up carpet underlay and to clean the house thoroughly afterwards.
The program said the bags were used in carpet underlay until the 1970s, and, while it was not known how many homes were affected, it could be in the tens of thousands.
Source
Monday, September 28, 2009
MESOTHELIOMA WIDOW MAKES MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTION FOR OHIO WALKING TRAIL
Karen Huffman’s husband Danny was diagnosed with mesothelioma in March 2006, a rare form of cancer that is caused by asbestos exposure. He died four months later on July 31. Because her husband loved running and walking so much, Karen made a $3,000 memorial contribution for a new walking trail at the Kiwanis-Jaycees Community Park in Malta, Ohio. The ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of the walking trail took place on August 18.
When making her contribution to the park, Karen submitted a story to a member of the park committee. Karen explained that Danny had loved to take a run every day until he suffered a knee injury; then he began walking two to three miles every day.
One morning in March 2006, Karen said that Danny was unable to finish his walk because he was out of breath. He told her to call the doctor to find out why he couldn’t breathe when he was walking. That was when he received his mesothelioma diagnosis. Two days before he died, Karen remembered walking with him when he turned to her to say that, if he couldn’t get out walking and talking with God, he didn’t think his life would be worth living. It was the last walk he ever took.
Karen felt that the walking trail was very important to the area, and she knew that Danny would have been the first person to walk on the trail if he’d been alive today. That is why she made her contribution in her husband’s memory.
Source
When making her contribution to the park, Karen submitted a story to a member of the park committee. Karen explained that Danny had loved to take a run every day until he suffered a knee injury; then he began walking two to three miles every day.
One morning in March 2006, Karen said that Danny was unable to finish his walk because he was out of breath. He told her to call the doctor to find out why he couldn’t breathe when he was walking. That was when he received his mesothelioma diagnosis. Two days before he died, Karen remembered walking with him when he turned to her to say that, if he couldn’t get out walking and talking with God, he didn’t think his life would be worth living. It was the last walk he ever took.
Karen felt that the walking trail was very important to the area, and she knew that Danny would have been the first person to walk on the trail if he’d been alive today. That is why she made her contribution in her husband’s memory.
Source
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Mesothelioma Doctors & Specialists
Doctors will typically refer suspected mesothelioma patients to a cancer specialist, known as an oncologist. The oncologist will diagnosis the type and stage of mesothelioma and determine the best therapy. Please see "Oncologist" for more information on this tpye of doctor.
If radiation is indicated, the oncologist will refer patients to a radiation oncologist. While some radiologists read x-rays to diagnose broken limbs and other injuries, mesothelioma patients see a therapeutic radiologist or a radiation oncologist. These are specialists in delivering radiation (or high doses of x-rays) to patients to kill the tumor cells.
Patients undergoing surgery to remove a tumor, which can be a very aggressive surgery, may have to see a pulmonary therapist as part of follow-up treatment. Pulmonary therapists work with a wide variety of patients, not just cancer patients. Their job is to help recover lost lung function. Patients may also have to see a pulmonologist (neumologist), which is a specialist of the lungs, or may have to see a thoracic surgeon, who specializes in surgeries of the thoracic area.
Mesothelioma is an extremely aggressive cancer with a low success rate for treatment. Patients that are diagnosed with mesothelioma may suffer from a variety of conflicting emotions regarding treatment and prognosis. It is not unusual for a doctor to recommend a visit to a psychologist. It is important to maintain mental health during the treatment process. Patients that feel more positive about their treatment are more likely to respond positively to the treatment.
Source
If radiation is indicated, the oncologist will refer patients to a radiation oncologist. While some radiologists read x-rays to diagnose broken limbs and other injuries, mesothelioma patients see a therapeutic radiologist or a radiation oncologist. These are specialists in delivering radiation (or high doses of x-rays) to patients to kill the tumor cells.
Patients undergoing surgery to remove a tumor, which can be a very aggressive surgery, may have to see a pulmonary therapist as part of follow-up treatment. Pulmonary therapists work with a wide variety of patients, not just cancer patients. Their job is to help recover lost lung function. Patients may also have to see a pulmonologist (neumologist), which is a specialist of the lungs, or may have to see a thoracic surgeon, who specializes in surgeries of the thoracic area.
Mesothelioma is an extremely aggressive cancer with a low success rate for treatment. Patients that are diagnosed with mesothelioma may suffer from a variety of conflicting emotions regarding treatment and prognosis. It is not unusual for a doctor to recommend a visit to a psychologist. It is important to maintain mental health during the treatment process. Patients that feel more positive about their treatment are more likely to respond positively to the treatment.
Source
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