It has long been known that women diagnosed with and treated for cancers like malignant mesothelioma experience far more severe side effects than men do. A recent article both quantifies the difference and provides recommendations for how to offset these differences, including the use of complementary and alternative healing methods and therapies.
Impact of Immunotherapies and Other Therapies Used to Treat Women with Mesothelioma
Malignant mesothelioma is a deadly form of cancer that is notoriously challenging to treat. Though immunotherapy and other targeted forms of treatment have been shown to provide longer overall survival times, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology reports that women are 49% more likely to experience adverse experiences from those treatments than men. Standard treatments, which provide less hope for improvement, offer only slight improvement in this disparate response, with women 34% more likely to experience adverse effects.
Among a group of nearly 24,000 cancer victims included in clinical data collected between 1980 and 2019, women with mesothelioma and other cancers were 64% more likely than men to report at least one severe adverse effect. They were also more likely to experience harsher symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and general debilitation.
Mesothelioma Diagnoses More Common in Men
Historically, malignant mesothelioma has been diagnosed in men in far greater numbers than in women. But as asbestos exposure moved from industrial settings into homes, school buildings, and government buildings, more women have been exposed to the toxic material and are now being diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases.
The article’s authors are urging those treating women with mesothelioma and other cancers to seek relief through complementary and alternative medicines that have been proven to offset their adverse symptoms. These include mind-body therapies like meditation, vitamins and dietary supplements, manipulative and body-based practices, and energy healing like reiki and therapeutic touch.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net can help you find the resources you need. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608.
