Mesothelioma Resources & Support

Navigating a mesothelioma diagnosis requires comprehensive support from medical, emotional, financial, and community resources. This page provides links to trusted organizations and resources that can help patients and families.

Patient Advocacy Organizations

National Organizations

Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation

  • Patient and family support services
  • Research funding and advocacy
  • Educational resources and webinars
  • Annual international symposium

American Cancer Society

  • Comprehensive cancer information
  • 24/7 helpline: 1-800-227-2345
  • Local support programs
  • Transportation and lodging assistance
  • Free wigs and head coverings

CancerCare

  • Free professional support services
  • Counseling and support groups
  • Educational workshops
  • Financial assistance programs
  • Toll-free: 1-800-813-HOPE (4673)

Lung Cancer Alliance (now part of GO2 Foundation)

  • Support for lung cancer and mesothelioma patients
  • Phone buddy program
  • Online community
  • Free helpline

Medical Information Resources

Authoritative Medical Sources

National Cancer Institute (NCI)

  • Evidence-based cancer information
  • Clinical trials database
  • NCI-designated cancer centers directory
  • Cancer Information Service: 1-800-4-CANCER

National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)

  • Treatment guidelines for patients and physicians
  • Free patient guides
  • Clinical practice guidelines

PubMed/MedlinePlus

  • Medical literature database
  • Patient-friendly health information
  • Drug information

Support Groups and Communities

Online Communities

Mesothelioma Support Groups

  • Connect with other patients and families
  • Share experiences and coping strategies
  • Online forums and discussion boards
  • Social media communities

Cancer Support Community

  • Local and online support groups
  • Wellness programs
  • Educational workshops
  • Frankly Speaking About Cancer programs

In-Person Support

Hospital-Based Support Groups

  • Many cancer centers offer mesothelioma-specific support groups
  • Check with your treatment center for local options

Local Cancer Support Organizations

  • Community-based support programs
  • Caregiver support groups
  • Bereavement support

Financial Assistance Programs

Medical and Treatment Costs

Patient Advocate Foundation

  • Case management services
  • Financial aid programs
  • Insurance appeals assistance
  • Debt mediation

HealthWell Foundation

  • Financial assistance for medication costs
  • Insurance premium and copay assistance
  • Disease-specific funds

Pharmaceutical Patient Assistance Programs

  • Many drug manufacturers offer assistance programs
  • Help with medication costs
  • Income-based eligibility

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

  • Expedited disability determination for mesothelioma
  • Compassionate Allowance program
  • Financial support for qualifying patients

Travel and Lodging Assistance

American Cancer Society Hope Lodge

  • Free lodging for patients traveling for treatment
  • Multiple locations nationwide
  • Supportive community environment

Corporate Angel Network

  • Free air transportation on corporate jets
  • For patients traveling to treatment
  • No financial need requirement

National Patient Travel Center

  • Coordinates charitable medical air transportation
  • Long-distance ground transportation
  • Helpline: 1-800-296-1217

Joe’s House

  • Lodging directory for cancer patients
  • Affordable accommodations near treatment centers
  • Online searchable database

Veterans Resources

VA Benefits and Services

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

  • VA disability compensation
  • Free medical treatment at VA facilities
  • Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
  • Aid and Attendance benefits

Veterans Crisis Line

  • 24/7 support for veterans in crisis
  • Call: 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1)
  • Text: 838255
  • Online chat available

State Veterans Benefits

  • Additional benefits vary by state
  • Contact your state’s Department of Veterans Affairs

Clinical Trials and Research

ClinicalTrials.gov

  • Comprehensive database of clinical studies
  • Search for mesothelioma trials
  • Information about trial participation

Mesothelioma Treatment Centers

  • Many offer access to clinical trials
  • Specialized treatment programs
  • Multidisciplinary care teams

Caregiver Resources

Support for Caregivers

Family Caregiver Alliance

  • Education and support for caregivers
  • State-by-state resources
  • Online support groups
  • National Center on Caregiving

Caregiver Action Network

  • Peer support and education
  • Resource library
  • Community forum
  • Caregiver coaching

AARP Caregiving Resource Center

  • Practical caregiving tips
  • Financial and legal guidance
  • Self-care resources

Respite Care

ARCH National Respite Network

  • Temporary relief for caregivers
  • Locator for respite services
  • Information and referral

American Bar Association

  • Lawyer referral services
  • State bar associations
  • Attorney licensing verification

Martindale-Hubbell

  • Attorney directory and ratings
  • Peer review ratings
  • Client reviews

See our comprehensive Legal Resources page for detailed information about legal options and rights.

Nutrition and Wellness

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

  • Find registered dietitian nutritionists
  • Nutrition information for cancer patients
  • Evidence-based resources

American Institute for Cancer Research

  • Cancer prevention and nutrition information
  • Healthy recipes
  • Research updates

Cancer-Specific Exercise Programs

  • LIVESTRONG at the YMCA
  • Cancer rehabilitation programs
  • Physical therapy resources

Mental Health and Counseling

Mental Health America

  • Mental health information and resources
  • Screening tools
  • Crisis support

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

  • Education and support programs
  • Helpline: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
  • Local affiliates

Psychology Today Therapist Finder

  • Search for licensed therapists
  • Specialty and insurance filters
  • Cancer-specific counselors

Palliative Care and Hospice

Center to Advance Palliative Care

  • Palliative care information
  • Provider directory
  • Getting palliative care guide

National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization

  • Hospice provider locator
  • Advance care planning resources
  • Caregiver support
  • Helpline: 1-800-658-8898

Hospice Foundation of America

  • Grief and loss resources
  • Educational programs
  • Support for families

Educational Resources

This Website’s Article Library

Medical Journals and Publications

  • Mesothelioma research updates
  • Treatment advances
  • Patient stories and experiences

Additional Helpful Resources

Government Resources

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

  • Workplace safety information
  • Asbestos regulations
  • Worker protection standards

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

  • Asbestos information for consumers
  • Environmental health resources
  • Asbestos abatement information

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

  • Disease information and statistics
  • Public health resources
  • Asbestos exposure information

Insurance and Benefits

Medicare.gov

  • Medicare eligibility and enrollment
  • Coverage information
  • Find providers and facilities

State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIP)

  • Free health insurance counseling
  • Medicare guidance
  • State-specific programs

Patient Advocate Foundation Insurance Navigator

  • Insurance questions and appeals
  • Understanding coverage
  • Prior authorization assistance

How to Use These Resources

Getting Started

  1. Identify your immediate needs: Medical information, financial assistance, emotional support, etc.
  2. Prioritize resources: Focus on 2-3 most relevant organizations initially
  3. Reach out for help: Contact organizations directly—they’re there to help
  4. Keep records: Document contacts, services received, and follow-up needed

Tips for Accessing Resources

  • Don’t hesitate to ask for help—these organizations exist to serve you
  • Be prepared with your medical information and insurance details
  • Ask about all available programs—eligibility requirements vary
  • Follow up on referrals and recommendations
  • Accept help from family, friends, and community

Building Your Support Team

  • Medical team (oncologist, surgeon, nurses, etc.)
  • Social worker or patient navigator
  • Mental health professional
  • Legal counsel if pursuing compensation
  • Patient advocacy organizations
  • Support group members
  • Family and friends

Stay Connected

For the latest information and resources:

  • Bookmark this page for future reference
  • Subscribe to newsletters from relevant organizations
  • Join online communities for real-time support
  • Check back regularly for updated information

Need Help Finding Resources? If you need assistance identifying appropriate resources for your specific situation, consider:

  • Speaking with a hospital social worker or patient navigator
  • Contacting patient advocacy organizations directly
  • Visiting our Contact page for more information

Disclaimer: We have compiled this list of resources for informational purposes. We do not endorse specific organizations and encourage you to research and evaluate resources based on your individual needs. Contact information and programs may change over time.

Last Updated: December 21, 2025

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