Understanding Mesothelioma

A guide for people with cancer, their families and friends

This booklet has been prepared to help patients understand more about pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma. Many people feel shocked and upset when told they have mesothelioma. We hope this booklet will help you, your family and friends understand how mesothelioma is diagnosed and treated. We also include information about support services. We cannot give advice about the best treatment for you. You need to discuss this with your doctors. However, this information may answer some of your questions and help you think about what to ask your treatment team (see page 74 for a question checklist). This booklet does not need to be read from cover to cover – just read the parts that are useful to you. Some medical terms that may be unfamiliar are explained in the glossary (see page 75). You may also like to pass this booklet to family and friends for their information. How this booklet was developed This booklet was developed with help from a range of health professionals and people affected by mesothelioma. The information on pleural mesothelioma is based on clinical practice guidelines.

The booklet was revised in 2019 and republished as Understanding Mesothelioma A guides for people with cancer, their families and friends.