As an aggressive cancer, mesothelioma can be incredibly difficult on both the body and mind.
Mesothelioma self-care involves managing symptoms, maintaining your physical and emotional well-being, and seeking support to improve your quality of life during and after treatment.
Here are 6 important mesothelioma self-care tips from patients, families, and cancer experts in 2025.
1. Get Enough Sleep
Taking time to rest and recharge is an essential part of managing mesothelioma and staying healthy overall.
A study published in July 2024 showed that adequate sleep helps strengthen the immune system, which is key to fighting cancer. On the other hand, poor sleep (defined as less than 7 hours a night) is linked to a weakened immune response and may even help tumors grow and spread.
Mesothelioma treatments like surgery and chemotherapy can be physically demanding. Your body needs time to recover, and rest is crucial for supporting the healing process.
Get your copy of our Free Mesothelioma Guide to stay informed about the latest treatment options, top specialists, and valuable resources for patients and families.
2. Prioritize Nutrition and Hydration
Eating a well-balanced mesothelioma diet rich in protein, healthy fats, and vitamins can help maintain strength and energy levels. By giving your body the proper nutrients, you can arm your immune system to fight back against this aggressive cancer and withstand the side effects of treatment.
Drinking plenty of water is also essential, especially during treatments like chemotherapy and immunotherapy, which can cause dehydration and dry mouth.
Download our Free Nutrition Guide to get nutrition tips and meal ideas to manage symptoms and support your recovery.
3. Stay Active
While it’s important to rest and relax, it’s equally important to stay as active as possible. Incorporating light exercise can keep your spirits up and even help counteract some of the physical side effects of mesothelioma treatment.
More specifically, gentle physical activity can:
- Enhance your mood
- Improve lung function
- Maintain your strength
- Reduce fatigue
Even something as simple as a short walk, stretching, or light yoga can make a difference. Always talk to your doctor before starting any new physical activity — they can recommend exercises that are safe and tailored to your energy level.
“Trying to stay active and moving — these are what I sometimes call ‘the peripherals.’ They’re the softer things that can really help somebody.”
4. Seek Outside Support
A mesothelioma diagnosis can bring on stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges, but you don’t have to face these feelings alone. Support groups can be especially helpful for both patients and families as they navigate the challenges of treatment and everyday life.
You can also find emotional support through:
- Counseling
- Meditation
- Mindfulness practices
- Talking with a peer mentor
Getting support early on in your mesothelioma journey can make a big difference in how you cope, heal, and move forward.
Contact our Patient Advocates to get free information on support groups, peer mentors, and other resources to help you manage life with mesothelioma.
5. Put Your Faith in a Higher Power
Mesothelioma patients often turn to their faith and a higher power to help them deal with uncertainty, fear, and emotional distress.
Faith-based support can offer comfort, strength, community, and a sense of purpose during a turbulent time.
“There are things that make it better. And in our situation, it is our church, 500%. We are major Christ followers with a lot of happy, hilarious incidents in our lives.”
Believing in a higher power can offer reassurance and reduce feelings of helplessness, giving many hope and spiritual guidance. Religious communities also provide a strong support network and practical assistance.
“If they don’t see me at church on Sunday, they’re down here checking on me,” said Walter Twidwell, a U.S. Navy veteran and mesothelioma warrior who received much-needed help from his spiritual community.
6. Pursue Financial Security
It’s a topic no one likes to discuss — money. Mesothelioma treatments can be costly, with some families paying over $400,000 a year.
Many families don’t realize:
- Insurance won’t cover everything: Out-of-pocket costs add up fast, leading many families to consider selling their homes to afford treatment.
- Mesothelioma settlements average $1 million: Asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma, and companies hid the risks while using it for decades. Families may be able to file a lawsuit and secure the compensation they need to put their financial worries aside and focus on healing.
- Financial help goes beyond lawsuits: Some patients qualify for veterans disability benefits worth over $4,000 a month, as well as payouts from asbestos trust funds.
“The treatment pretty much destroyed us financially. My husband thought we should file a lawsuit and see what could be done to help us continue with the treatment. I didn’t believe it until I saw that first settlement check, and then there was a relief because I could pay off one of the medical loans.”
Even if you aren’t sure how you were exposed to asbestos, you may still be entitled to compensation. Get a Free Case Review to check your eligibility.
Get a Free Mesothelioma Case Review
Get Help for Mesothelioma Now
While it’s important that patients do what they can for themselves, it’s also vital to understand that you aren’t on an island. We can be your lifeline.
Mesothelioma Hope has an entire team of registered nurses and Patient Advocates dedicated to supporting people impacted by this disease.
We can help you:
- Find the best mesothelioma specialists in your area
- Manage treatment-related side effects
- Connect with a support group online or in person
- Pursue financial compensation to pay for medical care and travel
“The sense of purpose that comes with helping people in times of need makes me feel good about being a nurse.”
Contact Mesothelioma Hope now. We’ll be with you for every step of your mesothelioma journey.
