Michigan ranks 9th in the nation for number of diagnoses of malignant mesothelioma. The high rate of the rare, asbestos-related disease is generally blamed on the state being the heart of auto manufacturing in the United States, exposing countless auto workers to asbestos-contaminated products. Because so many people have been affected by the disease, it is a focus of local researchers, including a group of social work doctoral students at Michigan State University who just got word that they’ve been awarded a $1.1 million grant to study psychosocial support for mesothelioma caregivers.
Michigan State University School of Social Work Receives Mesothelioma Grant
The U.S. Department of Defense bestowed the $1.1 million grant in partnership with the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, or MARF. It was awarded to a Michigan State University School of Social Work research team that includes doctoral students Jen Hirsch and Linda Zhang. They intend to dedicate four years to information gathering, developing intervention strategies, and then feasibility testing.
According to Amanda Woodward, a professor in the School of Social Work, mesothelioma caregivers need much more help. “The poor prognosis and the long time between asbestos exposure and onset make mesothelioma unique compared to other cancers,” she said. “Sessions will include a combination of information sharing, homework, and participant reflection, and will draw on the concept of meaning-making, which has been found to be an important aspect of adaptation in bereavement.”
Goal of Mesothelioma Study is to Better Support for Mesothelioma Caregivers
Commenting on the study’s ultimate goal, Woodward said, “Of course, we also hope that intervention proves to be feasible, ultimately effective at supporting caregivers and something that can be used more broadly.”
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net are here to support you and provide the resources you need. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608.
