Cancer and mesothelioma support group

Mesothelioma Support Group

Mesothelioma is a cancer that attacks the cells lining the lungs, ribs and abdominal organs. In the United States, the primary cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos fibers. Asbestos was used widely since the early 1800s, although its harm was not known at the time. Workers for the military, especially the Navy, shipyard workers, workers in asbestos mines and mills, those that produced asbestos products and those in the heating and construction business are more susceptible to meothelioma due to their exposure to asbestos. Even women cleaning the clothes of their husbands who worked in such industries were exposed to the asbestos fibers.

Mesothelioma is a very serious condition. Symptoms can include shortness of breath, chest pain, weight loss and abdominal swelling. Those afflicted with mesothelioma may also experience blood clotting abnormalities, anemia and a fever.
Patients and their families can benefit greatly from a mesothelioma support group. The mesothelioma support group can provide the patient with support and resources that he or she might otherwise not have access to. It is often not only the physical aspects, but also the emotional ones with which a mesothelioma support group can provide comfort.

A mesothelioma support group provides a comforting, open atmosphere were cancer sufferers feel they can openly talk and share their emotions and concerns. You should be able to find a mesothelioma support group by asking your doctor. You can also talk to the hospital social worker, who may have some information on local support groups, if there are any. If you live in a smaller town where there are no local mesothelioma support groups, you can find one on the Internet. Go to your favorite search engine, such as Google, and type mesothelioma support group. Even if you cannot attend a support group in person, just knowing there are others online you can talk to can be of great help.