Caring for someone with mesothelioma
Get information, advice and support if you are caring for someone with mesothelioma. Find out what options you have and how we can help you.
Looking after yourself
If you are a family member or friend of someone who has mesothelioma, you may be caring for them.
There are many health and social care professionals who can provide support for you and the person you are caring for. Tell your GP or nurse if you need extra support.
It is important to look after yourself, as well as the person you are caring for. Try and make sure you eat well and keep active.
We have more information on caring for someone with cancer.
Financial help
If you are a carer, you may be able to get to financial help, such as Carer’s Allowance. You can get more information about this benefit, and any others that you may be entitled to, by speaking to one of our welfare rights advisers on 0808 808 00 00.
Mesothelioma compensation claims
If your family member or friend is making a compensation claim, it may be possible to get a short-term payment to help pay for some of their care. If they would like to consider this, they should discuss it with a solicitor. We have more information about compensation and claiming benefits for mesothelioma.
Coroner's inquest
There may come a time when treatments are no longer working for your relative or friend and you have to prepare for their death. When someone dies of mesothelioma, there will need to be a coroner's inquest. This is a legal investigation into the circumstances surrounding a person’s death. At such a difficult time, it can be even harder if you did not expect this.
Mesothelioma support groups
Some people find it helps to talk with others who have been affected by mesothelioma. Mesothelioma UK also has a list of local support groups and a free helpline.
Macmillan is here to support you. If you would like to talk, you can:
- Call the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 00 00.
- Chat to our specialists online
- Visit our mesothelioma forum to talk with people who have been affected by mesothelioma, share your experience, and ask an expert your questions.
About our information
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References
Below is a sample of the sources used in our mesothelioma information. If you would like more information about the sources we use, please contact us at cancerinformationteam@macmillan.org.uk
Woolhouse I et al. British Thoracic Society Guideline for the investigation and management of malignant pleural mesothelioma. Thorax. 2018.
Thomas A et al. Mesothelioma. BMJ Best Practice. 2019.
Baas P et al. Malignant pleural mesothelioma: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. Annals of Oncology. 26 (Supplement 5): v31–v39. 2015. Available from: www.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26223247
Kusamara S et al. Peritoneal mesothelioma: PSOGI/EURACAN clinical practice guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. European Journal of Surgical Oncology. March 2020.
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Reviewers
This information has been written, revised and edited by Macmillan Cancer Support’s Cancer Information Development team. It has been reviewed by expert medical and health professionals and people living with cancer. It has been approved by Senior Medical Editor, Dr David Gilligan, Consultant Clinical Oncologist.
Our cancer information has been awarded the PIF TICK. Created by the Patient Information Forum, this quality mark shows we meet PIF’s 10 criteria for trustworthy health information.
Date reviewed
Our cancer information meets the PIF TICK quality mark.
This means it is easy to use, up-to-date and based on the latest evidence. Learn more about how we produce our information.
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