Editorial Guidelines

Our Editorial Mission

Chris Carberg founded Mesothelioma Hope after caring for his father during cancer treatment. He wanted families facing a serious diagnosis to have reliable information and personal support.

His experience still shapes our mission and the four principles behind our editorial work:

• Provide honest, accurate information. We report on mesothelioma research and treatment advances without exaggerating benefits or promising particular outcomes.
• Make information understandable. We explain medical and legal subjects in plain language without leaving out important details.
• Include firsthand experiences. We interview survivors and caregivers about living with mesothelioma, including experiences that medical studies may not address.
• Help families find support. We explain how to find mesothelioma specialists, learn about financial assistance, and contact our Patient Advocates for personalized guidance.

We apply these standards when developing new articles and reviewing existing content. They help us decide which subjects to cover, what readers need to know, and when a draft needs more reporting before publication.

Who Writes Our Content

Journalists, health care professionals, attorneys, mesothelioma survivors, and caregivers contribute to Mesothelioma Hope. Their backgrounds inform our coverage of mesothelioma treatment, asbestos exposure, legal developments, and the experiences of families affected by this cancer.

Our writers and contributors include:

• Sara Bunch, Senior Editor, News & Media, and journalist who covers health topics and stories about people affected by mesothelioma
• Alexis Kidd, peritoneal mesothelioma survivor and contributing writer who shares her experiences with treatment and life after diagnosis
• Christian Kidd, mesothelioma caregiver and contributing writer who shares his experience supporting his wife, Alexis, through treatment
• Jonathan N. Nelson, VA-accredited attorney and retired U.S. Marine Corps major who writes about veterans benefits, VA claims, and financial assistance
• Lindsey Rotnem, LISW-S, oncology social worker who writes about mesothelioma care and support for patients and families
• Beth Swantek, contributing writer with over 30 years of media experience who covers asbestos exposure and mesothelioma research
• Jenna Tozzi, RN, Chief Patient Care Advisor and oncology nurse who writes about mesothelioma treatment and patient support
• Laura Wright, Lead Editor and journalist who covers legal developments, medical research, and stories from patients and families

Each article identifies its author and editor, with links to their profiles. You can learn more about the people behind our content on our Meet Our Team and Contributors pages.

Our Sources and Fact-Checking Process

Mesothelioma research can be difficult to understand, especially when new treatments make headlines. Medical studies often use unfamiliar terms, and news coverage may leave out details about a treatment’s effectiveness or limitations.

To check medical and legal information, we examine original research whenever possible and consult authoritative sources. Our writers evaluate the evidence before reporting findings that could affect how patients and families understand treatment or compensation.

Depending on the subject, our sources may include:

• Medical research: Peer-reviewed studies, clinical trial results, and treatment guidelines
• Government agencies: Federal and state sources, including the National Cancer Institute (NCI), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Medical and scientific organizations: Research and guidance from organizations such as the American Cancer Society (ACS) and professional medical associations
• Legal records: Court documents, statutes, regulations, and other government records
• Medical and legal experts: Interviews with oncologists, mesothelioma specialists, oncology nurses, researchers, attorneys, and other professionals
• Patients and families: Interviews with mesothelioma survivors, caregivers, and loved ones
• Other trusted sources: Nonprofit organizations, patient advocacy groups, and reputable news outlets
• Specialist and treatment center information: Our internal database of mesothelioma doctors and treatment centers

When reviewing a medical study, we look at who participated, how researchers conducted it, and what they found. We also consider its limitations before drawing conclusions about the results.

For example, a treatment may show promise in a small clinical trial without enough evidence to support its widespread use. We explain those limitations and identify questions that researchers haven’t answered.

Interviews with medical professionals help us clarify research findings and learn how treatments work in practice. Conversations with survivors and caregivers also help us cover personal experiences that clinical studies may not fully capture.

Fact-Checking

Before publication, our editorial team checks important claims against reliable sources. We verify medical information, confirm statistics and professional credentials, and examine records that support our legal reporting.

Editors also consider whether an article presents the information accurately. A survival statistic, for instance, needs enough explanation for readers to understand which patients it represents and what the number means.

We identify the sources behind research findings and interview statements. Our team never fabricates quotes, statistics, credentials, or research results.

How We Create Content

Our writers research each subject and identify the questions readers need answered. They gather information from relevant sources, examine the evidence, and develop articles that explain their findings clearly.

The reporting depends on the topic. An article about a new mesothelioma treatment may involve a close examination of clinical trial results. Coverage of an asbestos lawsuit calls for legal research and an understanding of the case.

Once a writer completes a draft, an editor reviews it. We also involve medical or legal professionals when an article needs additional expertise.

Editorial Review

Our editors review every article before publication. They check the facts, assess whether the article covers the subject thoroughly, and make sure readers can follow the information easily.

Our editorial review includes:

• Checking factual claims and supporting sources
• Identifying missing details or explanations that could confuse readers
• Explaining unfamiliar medical and legal terms
• Improving the organization and flow of the article
• Verifying names, professional titles, and links
• Correcting grammar, spelling, and formatting errors

Laura Wright, Mesothelioma Hope’s Lead Editor, oversees our editorial standards. During review, editors may ask writers for more reporting or clarification before publication. They can also consult a medical or legal professional when a subject needs specialized knowledge.

Medical Review

We ask qualified medical professionals to review selected articles about mesothelioma diagnosis, treatment, clinical trials, and other health-related topics. These reviewers check medical claims for accuracy and identify details that need clarification.

Their experience caring for cancer patients also helps us address questions patients may have during treatment.

What Medical Reviewers Check

Medical reviewers compare treatment information with current research and clinical practices. They look for outdated guidance, missing details about side effects, or explanations that could give patients an inaccurate impression of a treatment’s benefits.

An article might accurately describe the results of an immunotherapy trial, for example, without explaining which patients participated. A reviewer can identify that omission so we can clarify which patients the findings may apply to.

These professionals also check whether an article explains treatment eligibility and other information patients may need when discussing care with their doctors. When someone raises a concern, our editorial team looks into it and makes any needed changes before publication.

Meet Our Medical Review Team

Our medical reviewers include oncologists, registered nurses, and a licensed clinical social worker. Their experience covers cancer treatment and patient care, along with the emotional challenges families face after a diagnosis.

Mesothelioma Hope’s medical reviewers include:

• Amy Fair, RN, has more than 25 years of nursing experience and serves as a Patient Advocate for people affected by mesothelioma. She works directly with patients and families who need help finding specialists or accessing support services. Amy understands the practical questions people face when arranging care after a diagnosis.
• Mark Levin, MD, is an oncologist and hematologist with over 30 years of experience treating cancer patients. His clinical background helps us check treatment information against established medical practices and understand how newer research fits into cancer care.
• Liz Logan, RN, is an Oncology Nurse Navigator and Board-Certified Patient Advocate who also answers medical questions through our Ask Nurse Liz series. She has experience guiding patients through appointments and treatment. Her work gives her insight into the questions patients ask when preparing for care and managing side effects.
• AnnMarie Rotan, LCSW, brings more than 20 years of experience in health care and mental health services. As a licensed clinical social worker, she understands how cancer affects emotional well-being and the pressures caregiving can place on families. Her background informs our coverage of coping with a diagnosis, grief, and mental health support.
• Assuntina Sacco, MD, is a board-certified oncologist with experience in chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and clinical trials. Her knowledge of cancer treatment and research helps us interpret findings about emerging therapies, including their potential benefits and limitations.
• Jenna Tozzi, RN, serves as Mesothelioma Hope’s Chief Patient Care Advisor and has over 15 years of experience in oncology nursing and patient navigation. She helps guide how our Patient Advocates communicate medical information and supports families exploring treatment. Jenna’s role combines clinical knowledge with patient education, helping our team explain new treatments and current medical guidance clearly.

We draw on these professionals’ knowledge based on each article’s subject. Their experience helps us check medical evidence and address questions patients and families may have about cancer care. When a medical professional reviews an article, we identify the reviewer and link to their credentials so readers can learn about their qualifications.

Legal Review

We seek additional review from attorneys and other qualified legal professionals for selected articles about mesothelioma lawsuits, asbestos trust fund claims, VA benefits, and related legal matters. Their experience helps us explain legal requirements that may differ depending on a family’s circumstances.

These reviewers also identify statements that need clarification, particularly when an article discusses eligibility for compensation or potential legal outcomes.

What Legal Reviewers Check

Legal reviewers examine information about asbestos lawsuits, filing requirements, and developments in the law. They check our explanations for accuracy and make sure we account for important differences between claims.

Mesothelioma lawsuit deadlines, for example, vary by state and type of claim. An article that overlooks those differences could leave readers with the wrong impression about how much time they have to file.

Compensation information also needs careful review. Our attorneys help us avoid suggesting guaranteed results or implying that every family qualifies for the same benefits. Editors address any concerns the reviewers raise before publication.

Meet Our Legal Review Team

Our legal reviewers have experience representing people affected by asbestos-related diseases and helping veterans understand their VA benefits. Their backgrounds include asbestos litigation, exposure investigations, and compensation claims.

Mesothelioma Hope’s legal reviewers include:

• Brian J. Cooke is a partner at Simmons Hanly Conroy and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran with more than 20 years of experience representing people affected by mesothelioma. He has handled complex asbestos cases, including claims involving secondhand exposure. Brian’s litigation experience helps us explain how attorneys investigate asbestos exposure and gather evidence to support claims.
• Ricky LeBlanc serves as Managing Attorney at Sokolove Law and Legal Editor for Mesothelioma Hope. With over 35 years of experience helping families pursue asbestos claims, he understands the questions people often have when considering legal action. His background in mesothelioma litigation informs our explanations of legal claims and the filing process.
• Jonathan N. Nelson is a Veterans Advocate and VA-accredited attorney at Sokolove Law. A retired U.S. Marine Corps major, Jonathan draws on his military and legal experience to explain VA disability benefits and compensation programs for veterans with asbestos-related diseases.
• Melissa Schopfer is a partner at Simmons Hanly Conroy who’s worked on more than 500 cases involving mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. Her experience with asbestos litigation and trial preparation gives her insight into the evidence attorneys use when pursuing compensation claims.

We consult these professionals on subjects relevant to their experience. Their backgrounds help us explain the differences between mesothelioma lawsuits, asbestos trust fund claims, and VA benefits. When an attorney reviews an article, we identify the reviewer and link to their professional background.

Mesothelioma Hope provides legal information for educational purposes but doesn’t offer legal representation.

Editorial Independence and Sponsorship

Mesothelioma Hope receives financial support from Simmons Hanly Conroy and Sokolove Law, two national law firms that represent people affected by mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. Their funding allows us to provide educational resources and patient support services free of charge.

The firms don’t control our medical or editorial content. Attorneys from these firms may contribute legal expertise through the review process, but our editorial team makes the final decisions about what we publish.

We disclose these relationships so readers know how Mesothelioma Hope receives funding. You can learn more on our Legal Sponsors page.

How We Use Artificial Intelligence

We may use AI tools to organize research or assist with drafting content. Our writers check factual claims against reliable sources, including medical research and official records. We don’t rely on AI-generated information alone.

Every article receives editorial review before publication, whether or not we’ve used AI during its development. We also seek additional medical or legal review when appropriate. Our editorial team makes the final publication decisions and takes responsibility for the accuracy of our content.

How We Keep Content Updated

Our editorial team monitors news from health organizations, reads peer-reviewed medical research, and follows developments in asbestos law through legal journals and other trusted sources. Laura Wright, Mesothelioma Hope’s Lead Editor, also regularly checks mesothelioma-related news as part of the team’s reporting and editorial oversight.

When we learn about a development, we examine the original research or official announcement to understand what’s changed. Editors then decide whether the information calls for a new article or an update to content we’ve already published.

We may update our pages in response to:

• New medical research: Clinical trial findings and emerging mesothelioma treatments
• Changes in medical guidance: Updated treatment recommendations or clinical guidelines
• New statistics: Updated survival rates and other cancer data
• Doctor and treatment center changes: New specialists, treatment programs, or changes to existing resources
• Legal developments: Changes to asbestos laws, court decisions, or filing requirements

Not every new study or announcement calls for an update. Our editors consider the strength of the evidence and whether the findings affect what patients and families need to know. When an article needs updating, we revise the relevant information and may consult a medical or legal professional for additional expertise.

The last updated date on a page reflects its most recent substantive review or content change. Minor formatting or technical changes may not result in a new date.

Accountability and Corrections

We welcome feedback from anyone who notices information that seems inaccurate, outdated, or unclear. You can also contact us if an article leaves out an important detail or an explanation is difficult to understand.

To report a concern, email our Lead Editor, Laura Wright, at [email protected]. Please include a link to the page and a brief description of the issue so our editorial team can investigate.

Our editors look into the concern and check the relevant sources. If the information involves specialized medical or legal knowledge, we may consult a qualified professional before deciding whether to make a change.

When we confirm an error, we correct it. We may also revise an article to clarify an explanation or add information, even when the original content was accurate. Significant changes may affect the last updated date shown on the page.

Accessibility

We consider accessibility when creating new content and updating existing articles. Our goal is to make important information easy to find and understand across all devices.

Our accessibility practices include:

• Organizing articles with clear headings and lists
• Explaining unfamiliar medical and legal terms
• Adding descriptive alt text to relevant images
• Providing captions or transcripts for videos when applicable

If readers have trouble accessing or understanding information on our site, we encourage them to contact us. The editorial team reviews this feedback and uses it to improve existing content.