How Long Can Mesothelioma Sufferers Expect to Live with the Disease?

In the minds of many, a diagnosis of mesothelioma is an automatic death sentence. 

In the past, that was the case. But the prognoses of mesothelioma sufferers are gradually improving over time.

The credit goes to improved medical treatments and the examples of survivors like Paul Kraus. Paul has lived with the disease for more than 20 years, despite being diagnosed with aggressive mesothelioma.

So how long can the average patient expect to survive with the disease?

What are the Current Short-Term Survival Rates for Mesothelioma Sufferers?

Short-term survival rates for mesothelioma sufferers have been historically poor. As of the latest statistics, the survival rates for mesothelioma sufferers after 12 months is as low as 35%.

This is partly because mesothelioma is such an aggressive form of cancer, but it’s also due to the fact early diagnosis is so difficult. Most patients are diagnosed after mesothelioma has firmly taken hold.

The survival rates for mesothelioma sufferers after 12 years is around 10%, so long-term survivors are rare.

You should check out this resource for more information on the nature of mesothelioma.

Modern Medical Treatments are Improving

However, the good news is short-term survival rates are improving over time. Doctors have a greater understanding of the disease and a range of new treatments are doing more to destroy mesothelioma growth.

For example, light-activated drugs have demonstrated extremely positive results. 

These drugs are injected into the patient and then a surgeon shines a light over the drugs, so they’re activated by the light.

This is considered a less invasive mesothelioma treatment with fewer side effects.

Alternative Treatments are Yielding Impressive Results

The reason why the case of Paul Kraus is so interesting is the way in which he has utilized alternative treatments to manage his mesothelioma.

He has combined exercise, a healthy diet, and a variety of mind-strengthening exercises to improve his chances of survival.

His diet, in particular, has played a huge role in his survival. 

By cutting out unhealthy foods, he has strengthened his immune system by giving his body the nutrients it needs to fight off his mesothelioma.

Carbohydrates from healthy sources like whole wheat bread and the superfood brown rice keep his energy levels high and prevent mesothelioma from draining his energy.

The role of lifestyle is helping doctors to make great strides in improving the survival rates of patients.

A Drop in Asbestos is Expected to Reduce Mesothelioma Incidence Rates

Ultimately, the best way to combat mesothelioma in the US is to remove the role of asbestos. Asbestos is responsible for the majority of mesothelioma cases in the US.

While asbestos is still used in a range of industries, its use has been heavily reduced over the last few decades.

Even in industries where asbestos is still used, safety procedures have improved so those workers are less likely to contract mesothelioma than ever before.

Last Word – The Future for Mesothelioma Sufferers is Improving

Due to all the factors outlined in this article, the incidence and survival rates for mesothelioma sufferers are improving over time.

Although it remains one of the deadliest forms of cancer, mesothelioma sufferers should be inspired by the great steps being taken to help them successfully manage and live with the disease.

Do you know someone who’s currently suffering from mesothelioma?