mesothelioma survival rates

Mesothelioma Survival Rates: Top Tips For Living Longer With Mesothelioma If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be feeling sca...

Mesothelioma Survival Rates: Top Tips For Living Longer With Mesothelioma

If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be feeling scared and alone. The good news is that there are plenty of organizations out there that can provide support and help to help you deal with your feelings and find the information you need to live longer with mesothelioma. To get started, 

here are of the top tips experts recommend people facing this diagnosis do in order to give themselves the best shot at beating it.

Three Ways to Improve Your Chances

The prognosis for mesothelioma has improved over recent decades with advances in research and better treatment options, but many people are still not aware of their options. 

According to statistics compiled by Cancer Research UK, only 41% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma were alive five years after diagnosis. 

If you have been recently diagnosed with mesothelioma it may be difficult to cope with your new reality at first. However, there are three things you can do to help improve your odds for survival

Exercise Regularly

One of the best ways to combat mesothelioma is to stay as active as possible. It’s important to understand that exercising can actually increase your risk of developing cancer, but it’s also critical for overall health. 

When you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, it’s essential to build exercise into your daily routine. Start slow and don’t overdo it; make sure to talk with a doctor before beginning an exercise program.

Maintain a Healthy Diet

Your diet is one of your best weapons when fighting mesothelioma. Cancer cells thrive in an acidic environment and slow down or stop growing in a healthy, alkaline environment. 

Because mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure, it’s a good idea to minimize your intake of foods high in acidity—sugary foods are often acidic and can cause cancer cells to spread quicker.

If You Smoke, Quit

Smoking increases your risk for developing pleural mesothelioma, a cancer that grows in your lung’s lining. If you do have it, smoking can also complicate treatment and lessen your chances for survival. 

That’s why quitting is vital to improving your prognosis and lengthening your life expectancy. Stopping now will improve your quality of life as well—and help you avoid getting other serious illnesses like lung cancer down the road. It’s never too late to quit!

Take Antioxidant Supplements

Studies show that taking antioxidants can increase your life expectancy by slowing down free radical damage to healthy cells. Antioxidants come from a variety of sources, but research shows that consuming vitamin C and E, beta-carotene, 

selenium, glutathione and coenzyme Q10 may help prevent cancer and extend your lifespan. Be sure to check with your doctor before beginning any antioxidant supplements.

Get the Right Treatment

Whether you’re battling pleural, peritoneal or pericardial mesothelioma, it’s important to seek treatment from a doctor who is experienced in treating all forms of asbestos cancer.

 When surgery is recommended for one type of mesothelioma or another, your surgeon may know how to cut out as much cancerous tissue as possible—which can help you get back on your feet and lead a longer life.

Manage Stress Effectively

The medical community has known for decades that stress can cause serious health problems, including cancer. If you want to live a long life after being diagnosed with mesothelioma, managing your stress is an important step you should take early on. 

It’s also vital to your ongoing mental health and well-being after your diagnosis. Stress management techniques include breathing exercises and other relaxation strategies such as yoga or meditation.

Stay Positive and Focused on Recovery

When it comes to health, your mind can be a powerful tool for either good or evil. Positive thinking and being hopeful about your recovery is crucial if you want to live longer with mesothelioma. While there is no cure for mesothelioma yet, 

there are many treatment options that can improve your quality of life. Try not to get depressed; instead focus on what you can do in order to stay positive while fighting mesothelioma.