A mesothelioma diagnosis is heartbreaking to receive. In many cases, the cancer has been developing within a patient’s body for years or decades. By the time they receive a diagnosis, mesothelioma can be close to taking their life.
The life expectancy of mesothelioma patients can vary. Depending on the stage of the disease, the type of mesothelioma, and other factors, patients are usually expected to live one to two years after diagnosis.
Treatment options can also affect the life expectancy of mesothelioma patients. Individuals like Heather Von St. James have surpassed the average survival rate, and is still alive nine years after her extrapleural pneumonectomy, a surgery offered through the International Mesothelioma Program. See the list of treatment options available to patients on our website.
If you have been exposed to asbestos, sharing your exposure history with a medical professional will help them accurately assess mesothelioma symptoms sooner than later. Catching mesothelioma early on is the key to living a longer, healthier life with the disease.
Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with mesothelioma? You can help us spread awareness by sharing your story in a comment below.
Source: Cancer.gov