Mesothelioma Diet & Nutrition: Can Diet Improve Mesothelioma Outcomes?

When a person receives a diagnosis of mesothelioma, diet & nutrition are an often overlooked but important part of their medical regimen. While radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and other clinical treatments for cancer are crucial to most mesothelioma patients, lifestyle changes, including proper nutrition, can make these treatments more effective and help to mitigate the uncomfortable side effects of treatment.

Mesothelioma Diet & Nutrition

Receiving a cancer diagnosis is a life-changing experience, especially for an aggressive and terminal form of cancer like mesothelioma. Anyone who experiences this is likely to feel distraught, frustrated, and confused as to what they should do. They may wonder how they developed this disease, whether they have grounds to sue for asbestos exposure, and what they will need to do to preserve their quality of life as much as possible.

Roughly 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in the United States each year, and each year, about 2,500 throughout the country die from mesothelioma. The average life expectancy with treatment following diagnosis is 18 to 31 months, but some patients have lived for much longer. Along with early detection and appropriate medical care for mesothelioma, diet & nutrition are essential considerations for patients and their families.

After your diagnosis, your doctor will explain the treatment options available to you and provide advice concerning lifestyle changes you can make that can not only improve your overall health but also make your mesothelioma treatments more effective. Both patients and their caregivers should pay close attention to instructions from doctors, and they should also ask questions as soon as they arise to ensure optimal outcomes for patients.

Smoking cessation, diet, and exercise are all crucial for cancer patients. Patients should not only focus on a healthy diet but should avoid processed food and fast food. Doctors can provide specific individual guidance as to which foods to consume and which should be avoided. Additionally, patients who are diagnosed with mesothelioma are also likely to require mental health treatment. Dealing with psychological stress in healthy ways can enhance treatment.

Your medical care team can provide specific advice that may improve your condition. It’s common for cancer patients to receive nutritional support and dietary counseling, and it is important for caregivers to follow doctors’ instructions when it comes to managing a mesothelioma patient’s everyday needs.

How an Attorney Can Help After a Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis can be devastating in many ways, and while medical professionals can help a patient in this situation manage their condition and pursue the most positive possible health outcomes, a legal professional will be necessary if you believe you have grounds for a lawsuit.

The only known cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. The disease takes a very long time, sometimes decades, to cause noticeable symptoms, so determining the exact cause of your condition could be very difficult without an attorney’s assistance. When you hire Wallace & Graham, we can not only help you build your asbestos exposure lawsuit, but we can also address any issues you may have encountered with medical treatment following diagnosis.

Mesothelioma could be misdiagnosed as other, less serious conditions. In these cases, patients do not receive appropriate care at the right time, and such mistakes can mean a dramatic difference in their quality of life and remaining life expectancy. This is just one way a mesothelioma case could be complicated. Reach out to an attorney for support as quickly as possible after diagnosis.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Optimal Diet for a Mesothelioma Patient?

A: The optimal diet for a mesothelioma patient will vary from case to case, and everyone has different nutritional needs and dietary restrictions. Generally, diets that are high in protein and healthy fats and that incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables are most beneficial to those undergoing cancer treatment. An optimized diet can help them maintain a healthy weight, support immune system function, and help them manage the side effects of treatment.

Q: Can Mesothelioma Be Cured?

A: No, mesothelioma cannot be cured. This form of cancer is incurable and terminal, and life expectancy following diagnosis is relatively short. More than 65% of people who receive chemotherapy for mesothelioma survive for at least three years, but the general life expectancy with treatment is 18 to 31 months. Early detection and immediate treatment are crucial for improving life expectancy and maintaining quality of life during treatment.

Q: What Lifestyle Changes Support Mesothelioma Treatment?

A: Various lifestyle changes can support mesothelioma treatment. While the patient should follow their treatment team’s instructions, attend all medical appointments, and stick to their medication schedule, other changes can enhance the efficacy of their treatments. Proper nutrition and hydration are crucial, and patients should quit smoking immediately after diagnosis. Regular exercise is also important, but should be approached carefully.

Q: Can I Sue for Mesothelioma?

A: It is possible to sue for mesothelioma if a specific party is responsible for your diagnosis. An experienced attorney can determine whether an employer, business owner, property owner, manufacturer, or other party is responsible for the asbestos exposure that caused your condition. If so, you may have grounds to file a toxic exposure lawsuit and claim compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and your pain and suffering.

Q: Should I Hire a Lawyer After a Mesothelioma Diagnosis?

A: It’s a good idea to hire a lawyer after a mesothelioma diagnosis. They can determine whether a specific party is responsible for your condition and, if so, hold them accountable with a toxic exposure lawsuit. You could also be eligible to file a claim to a mesothelioma injury trust. However, success with these cases usually requires careful and extensive research, and you will need an attorney’s help to succeed with your case.

The attorneys at Wallace & Graham can help you navigate the legal aftermath of a mesothelioma diagnosis. While mesothelioma diet & nutrition are crucial considerations, it is also vital to assess whether you have grounds for legal recourse that may yield substantial compensation for you and your family. Contact our firm today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can assist you with your case.