The exhaustion and emotional burden of a malignant mesothelioma diagnosis is undeniable, but that doesn’t mean that patients simply surrender to their disease. In fact, a recent study reveals significant interest in well-timed interventions aimed at improving quality of life and wellbeing.
Nutrition and Exercise Advice is Appealing to Mesothelioma Patients
The study of mesothelioma and lung cancer patients was conducted by palliative care and oncology researchers from the United Kingdom who set out to assess the level of interest in exercise and nutrition recommendations. A group of 12 patients were interviewed, along with their caregivers and members of multidisciplinary cancer care teams.
Though the team was aware that mesothelioma and other cancers create both emotional and physical fatigue, they also knew that moderate exercise could relieve stress and improve outlook, energy and muscle strength. Similarly, improvements in nutrition provide greater energy and improve mesothelioma survival. What was not clear was whether patients would be motivated to add new activities or change their eating habits when facing a terminal diagnosis.
Study Finds Tailored Approach to Intervention is Best for Mesothelioma Patients
The answers provided by the mesothelioma patients were extremely revealing. When asked about the “usefulness and practicality” of information regarding exercise and nutrition, they indicated that before and during treatment they would be too exhausted to consider advice, but that they would welcome it at the right time.
According to study author Flavia Swan of Hull York Medical School, mesothelioma and lung cancer patients “would welcome a proactive, clear and instructive, wellbeing intervention…. tailored to individual need and … physical limitations.” The key is that it must be offered when patients are able to focus on improving their wellbeing rather than when they are recovering or at some other stressful point in their cancer journey.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma and you would like information on how best to support them, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net can help. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608.
