Mesothelioma Support Groups
Mesothelioma patients need support. There are foundations across the US ready to help, as well as in-person, phone, or online support groups available.
Family and Patient Support Options
There are many support options available for patients with all types of mesothelioma. Most of these are not for profit groups who are very active in mesothelioma research. There are support groups available in person or online. Some of these support groups cater to both the patient and their families. Others are more directed at those who have lost a loved one to mesothelioma.
Benefits of Mesothelioma Support Groups
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People Who Can Empathize
These groups are made up of other patients and families who have had to deal with the stress of a cancer diagnosis—people who can truly empathize with each other.
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Peace of Mind
Knowing that others have experienced the same tribulations offers a sense of relief. This can also offer hope to families and patients, knowing they aren’t alone.
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Creating Bonds
Support groups also create bonds between people. This kind of support can be invaluable for patients and families, giving them courage, comfort, or closure.
Get Help Finding a Support Group
We can help you locate a support group specifically for mesothelioma patients and families. Our patient advocates have built connections with support groups across the country and are trained to assist you every step of the way.
Choosing to participate in a support group can help you:
- Learn what to expect from treatment
- Gain peace of mind
- Relieve stress and strengthen relationships

People Who Can Empathize
These groups are made up of other patients and families who have had to deal with the stress of a cancer diagnosis—people who can truly empathize with each other.

Peace of Mind
Knowing that others have experienced the same tribulations offers a sense of relief. This can also offer hope to families and patients, knowing they aren’t alone.

Creating Bonds
Support groups also create bonds between people. This kind of support can be invaluable for patients and families, giving them courage, comfort, or closure.
Get Help Finding a Support Group

Choosing to participate in a support group can help you:
- Learn what to expect from treatment
- Gain peace of mind
- Relieve stress and strengthen relationships

Connect to People in Support Groups
Talk with other patients and families dealing with mesothelioma and its treatments.
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How to Sign Up for a Mesothelioma Support Group
If you’re interested in joining a mesothelioma support group, we can explain how to go about this process:
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1Ask if your hospital or cancer center offers a support group. Some of the top institutions have group or individual counseling sessions for patients going through treatment.
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2Determine if you prefer an in-person or online group. The COVID-19 coronavirus epidemic caused many in-person support groups to shift their procedures. While this is temporary for some, other groups already were online options or changed permanently.
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3Contact a patient advocate. These experienced support resources have a list of all online and in-person groups for mesothelioma patients. They’ll help you sign up for one immediately.
Mesothelioma Support Foundations
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The Meso Foundation (formerly MARF)
The Meso Foundation is a non-profit collection of patients, families, physicians, advocates, and researchers focused on ending mesothelioma.
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International Mesothelioma Interest Group (IMIG)
The International Mesothelioma Interest Group represents an independent group of scientists focused on expanding mesothelioma research, developing cures and finding treatment solutions.
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Canadian Mesothelioma Foundation (CMF)
The Canadian Mesothelioma Foundation (CMF) offers private, invite-only online support groups for mesothelioma patients, caregivers, family and the bereaved. For information on how to join visit the CMF website.
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Specific Support Groups
Support groups provide an invaluable resource to mesothelioma patients. These groups offer a place to express your concerns, but also a place to receive encouragement from other survivors, caregivers, or current patients.
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Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
Mesothelioma Orientation Group
This group is an orientation program for patients newly diagnosed with mesothelioma. Patients are presented with information from Dr. Bueno, the research team, social work and chaplaincy.
Contact: Charlene Haouiliya, LICSW at 617-732-5500 ext 32819. Meetings: Tuesdays 8:30-10:30am.
Mesothelioma Support Group for Family Members
Group is co-led by Social Work and Chaplaincy.
A support group for family members of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. A focused discussion about caregiver issues and encouraging good self-care.
Contact: Charlene Haouiliya, LICSW at 617-732-5500 ext 32819.
Meetings: Wednesdays from 12-1:00pm in the Multipurpose Room on the 11th floor. Lunch is served.
Phone-Based Support Groups
Hearing a comforting voice of someone who understands what you’re going through is very helpful. A series of phone-based support groups that you can join are listed below.
Mesothelioma Foundation Phone Groups
The Mesothelioma Foundation offers a variety of options for patients to take part in teleconference-style support groups.
Visit the Mesothelioma Foundation website
Cancer Support Helpline
The Cancer Support Community offers support for those that have been recently diagnosed or are long-time cancer patients.
Visit the Cancer Support Community website.
CancerCare
CancerCare supports people affected by all types of cancer, including mesothelioma. The free services include individual and group counseling with oncology social workers, plus virtual counseling through the CancerCare telephone HOPEline.
Visit the CancerCare website.
Top Cancer Centers
Get information on top cancer centers, including:
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1
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, MA
2Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
New York, NY
3UCLA Medical Center
Los Angeles, CA
Online Support Groups
Many people who have just been diagnosed with mesothelioma will turn to the internet to find answers to their questions. While we offer a wide-array of information and support (such as our Mesothelioma Guide), online support groups give patients a first-hand opportunity to tell their stories and share their experience.
- Mesothelioma Guide Facebook Group
This open group is managed by Mesothelioma Guide and offers news about research and other information regarding mesothelioma.
Visit Mesothelioma Guide Facebook page - Mesothelioma Foundation Facebook Group
This open group is for sharing information about mesothelioma for patients and their families.
Visit Mesothelioma Foundation Facebook page - Cancer Support Community
Speak with others facing a series of similar health challenges from the convenience of your home
Visit the Cancer Support Community website - Daily Strength
Daily Strength was created to provide a community sharing information and insights.
Visit the Daily Strength website - Share the Care
Provides valuable information on caring for an ill friend or family member with a step-by-step guidebook.
Visit the Share the Care website
Message Boards
Message boards and forums for cancer-related issues are a place where people come together and thrive as a community. You can get involved and start sharing today.
- Topix Forums
Visit the Topix Forum website - The Cancer Forums
Visit the Cancer Forums website
Get Matched With Top Doctors
Get information on top doctors, including:
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1
Dr. Raphael Bueno
Focus: Pleural Mesothelioma
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2
Dr. Paul Sugarbaker
Focus: Peritoneal Mesothelioma
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3
Dr. Raja Flores
Focus: Pleural Mesothelioma
Why Support Groups?
Support groups can help mesothelioma patients stay positive and put faith in treatment. Mesothelioma is rare, so finding a support group can be tough—it’s simply harder to come across other people diagnosed with this disease. However, mesothelioma patients from across the country can come together via the internet and conference calls. Through support groups, patients can share their stories and meet others going through the same hardships.
Support groups are important because they:
- Can reduce the stress of a diagnosis
- Provide inspiration and hope
- Offer comfort and acceptance
- Give a sense of community
- Are made up of people who can empathize with each other
- Let patients know they are not alone
Most mesothelioma survivors have all said that it’s important to get support from friends, family and other patients.
Treatment for mesothelioma can be hard, but for most patients, it’s worth it. Getting support from those who have experienced treatment for themselves can be reassuring that going through it is the right choice. Studies on cancer patients who participate in support groups have even shown that they experience less pain from their disease and are more content with life.
Mesothelioma patients can also find support through our Mesothelioma Survivors Guide, featuring detailed interviews with survivors who have dealt with all the suffering of a diagnosis. Get a free copy of our Mesothelioma Survivor’s Guide today.
Support groups can also be beneficial for family members. There is no question that family members feel the burden of a mesothelioma diagnosis as well, and it’s something that should be addressed. Connecting with other family members can ease this stress and reignite the will to fully support their loved one. Studies have even shown that patients and families attending support groups have better relationships and are more capable of dealing with adversity.
If you have more questions about mesothelioma support groups, refer to our support groups FAQ.
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2018 Support Events
National Mesothelioma Awareness Day
September 26th, 2018
Global Asbestos Awareness Week
April 1-7, 2018
The 2018 International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma
June 8, 2018 – Minneapolis, MN
October 5, 2018 – New York City, NY
The Meso Foundation’s symposium is an event featuring scientists, medical professionals, and mesothelioma advocates.
View more information on the Meso Foundation website.
International Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Conference
April 13–15, 2018 – Washington D.C.
The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization’s conference features speakers from diverse backgrounds who hope to spread awareness about asbestos diseases.
View more information on the ADAO website.
3rd Annual George Dreith Memorial Golf Tournament
April 21, 2018 – Godfrey, IL
This event begins at 12 PM.
For more information contact Alison Dreith at alidreith@gmail.com.
Mother’s Day Weekend Meso Run 2018
May 12, 2018 – Los Angeles, CA
This event is in honor of Patty Forgiewill and takes place at 9 AM.
For more information contact mothersdaymesorun@gmail.com.
Washington Memorial 5k Run/Walk
July 4, 2018 – Federal Way, WA
This 5K is in memory of Dick Dyhrman, Bud Hatley, and Bob Stewart. Proceeds will go to the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation. For more information contact Kimberly Shelton at
253-835-6932. The event begins at 9 AM.
8th Annual Kayaking 4 Meso
September 8, 2018 – Waterford, NY
Kayakers will journey down the Hudson River. The event raises donations for the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation. Kayak launch starts at 9:30 AM, and there will be three breaks along the 8-mile trip.
For more information contact Mark Wells at markwells@kayaking4meso.org.
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Common Questions About Mesothelioma Support Groups
Who can join a support group for mesothelioma?
Anyone affected by mesothelioma can join a support group. Most participants are people with this cancer, although there are groups specifically for friends and loved ones. Even if you don’t have mesothelioma, you might be affected and can join a support group to receive and give emotional strength.
Which organizations offer support groups for mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma Guide offers a support group option via its Facebook page. People affected by mesothelioma can ask questions and share stories to help themselves and others fight this cancer. Some of the other organizations with support groups are:
- The Mesothelioma Foundation
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital
- CancerCare
- Cancer Support Community
Are there online support groups available for mesothelioma?
Most organizations offer online versions of their mesothelioma support groups. Brigham and Women’s Hospital, one of the top cancer centers in the world, provides a virtual support option for people with mesothelioma. Other hospitals provide the same free resource. We can help you find an online support group today.
How does joining a mesothelioma support group help?
Mesothelioma support groups provide emotional support to the people affected by this cancer. They can provide courage to patients, friends and family members. Many have credited their strength in the fight against cancer to joining a support group. Additionally, support groups can lead to friendships that last a lifetime.
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