Mesothelioma Survival
Acting Immediately Is the Key to Surviving Mesothelioma
According to American Cancer Society estimates, five to 10 percent of mesothelioma victims who receive timely, appropriate treatment live at least five years past diagnosis. The publication Cancer Monthly reports that some people even remain alive 10 years past diagnosis.
You want to do all you can to be one of them.
Typically, however, most treated mesothelioma patients survive 18 to 36 months past diagnosis. And, with no treatment, you can expect to live just six to 12 months after you’re diagnosed.
How to Increase Mesothelioma Survival
Here, according to clinical authorities, is a partial list of steps you can take to improve your odds of living beyond the statistical norms:
- Find the best cancer center for mesothelioma treatment. Among the top-ranked are Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston, Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., and MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. When choosing where to get treatment, the consider distance you’ll have to go. Look for a cancer center that you can easily travel to and from.
- Understand the treatment options. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation are the main options. You may get better results with cutting-edge treatments such as advanced radiotherapy, targeted therapies, or biologic therapy.
- Insist on a care plan tailored to you. Each mesothelioma case is unique. Put yourself in the hands of healthcare professionals who won’t attempt to treat you using a cookie-cutter or one-size-fits-all approach.
- Do not postpone treatment. Once your treatment plan is created, act quickly to implement it. Each day of delay gives the cancer time to grow, strengthen and spread.
- Look for clinical trials in which you might be able to participate. Discuss with your doctor the appropriateness of enrolling in clinical trials of experimental drugs and procedures. There are dozens of clinical trials for cancer treatment — learn about them.
Consider a Holistic Care Plan
Holistic care includes additional and alternative treatment designed to:
- Alleviate pain.
- Boost the immune system.
- Relieve stress, anxiety and depression.
- Contribute to a positive state of mind.
Holistic care plans often include treatment options such as these:
- Nutritional therapy
- Naturopathic medicine
- Physical rehabilitation
- Mental-health support
- Spiritual counseling
Arming yourself with knowledge, proper care, support — and hope — gives you a real chance for long-term mesothelioma survival.
