Finding the right mesothelioma support group has proven beneficial to patients and caregivers who are coping with this cancer. Some mesothelioma support groups are led by survivors, doctors and advocates.
Written by Dana Nolan, MS, LMHC | Edited by Amy Edel | Last Update:
Joining a mesothelioma support group is one of the most effective steps you can take after a diagnosis. These groups connect you with people who understand what you’re going through and can offer real, practical support.
You’ll connect with a licensed counselor or trained moderators and peers within 24 to 72 hours. Each option is free and designed to meet you where you are.
Mesothelioma support is coordinated emotional, practical and financial help for people with mesothelioma and their caregivers. To get help today:
Several cancer organizations across the United States offer a range of support services for people with mesothelioma. These services include free lodging for patients and their families while undergoing treatment, support groups and help lines.
The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com conducted an internal survey with U.S. oncology clinicians and found that 27% of clinicians surveyed recommend mental health counseling as the top support service for people with mesothelioma.
| Support Service | Preferred Service (%) |
|---|---|
| Mental health counseling | 27% |
| Palliative or hospice care | 23% |
| Online or in-person support groups | 18% |
| Nutrition support | 17% |
| Travel or financial aid | 9% |
| Legal/compensation resources | 5% |
| Other | 2% |
Various mesothelioma support organizations and resources are available to help patients, caregivers and loved ones throughout their cancer journey. Organizations such as The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com and the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (Meso Foundation) provide free resources, including mesothelioma support groups and online discussion boards.
It’s important to connect with other people and organizations that understand what mesothelioma patients and their families are going through. They can provide resources and support that are tailored to your needs.
The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com offers support groups, webinars featuring survivors and experts, Patient Advocates and free services for patients and families. Our Patient Advocates help patients find doctors, schedule appointments and access funds for treatment.
They connect patients and families to a variety of other resources that help them cope with the disease. Our Patient Advocates can also help you find clinical trials, file for VA benefits and access Social Security Disability and other support services, all of which are offered for free.
The Meso Foundation is a nonprofit organization that hosts support groups for mesothelioma patients, caregivers and their loved ones. Doctors, advocates, researchers and survivors collaborate through this organization to support the mesothelioma community.
The International Mesothelioma Interest Group is a research group that formed in 1991. It organizes an international conference on mesothelioma research that takes place every two years.
The conference highlights global mesothelioma research. It also provides doctors with the opportunity to learn from others in the field to promote new advances in treatment and early diagnosis.
The American Cancer Society offers free lodging for eligible patients and their families via its Hope Lodge program, which includes 30 Hope Lodge locations in the U.S. For those traveling where there are no lodge locations, ACS offers assistance via grants and a partnership with Extended Stay America. Rides to treatment are available through its Road to Recovery program, volunteer drivers and grants.
Support and networking opportunities are also available through ACS’s Cancer Survivors Network and Reach to Recovery app and website for breast cancer patients. Affordable wigs, hats, scarves and mastectomy products are also available through its Tender Loving Care program.
The Canadian Mesothelioma Foundation is a mostly volunteer-run charity dedicated to raising awareness of mesothelioma in Canada. Founded in 2008, the foundation unites patients, families and doctors specializing in mesothelioma to promote better treatment and a search for a cure. The foundation is also engaged in patient advocacy and lobbying for better policies to help mesothelioma patients and prevent future asbestos exposure.
The National Cancer Information Center has digestible cancer information and a cancer help line available 24/7. It has trained cancer information specialists who answer calls and emails from people with cancer, their caregivers, family members and friends.
The American Cancer Society also helps people find local resources and cancer support groups in their area. You can call the center at 1-800-227-2345.
Asbestos Exposure Helpline: Speak with a Patient Advocate at (855) 404-4592 for mesothelioma-specific help with doctors, benefits and support groups.
Get answers about treatment, top doctors, and financial support from the nation’s most trusted mesothelioma resource.
Get Your Free GuideThere are several types of emotional, financial and mental health support available to those diagnosed with mesothelioma and their caregivers. Developing a mesothelioma support system is important for everyone involved in the cancer journey.
As a patient, feeling overwhelmed, scared and anxious is completely normal and it is important for you to surround yourself with those you love. Building a strong mesothelioma support system can nurture your emotional well-being, lower your stress levels and ease your fear of the unknown. Good mental health is important while navigating mesothelioma treatment and recovery.
If you double as a caregiver and family member, a solid support system is also essential for your well-being. Taking on this new role is difficult, and it’s not something you should do alone. You can build a reliable mesothelioma support network to assist you.
Several programs stand out for their focus on mesothelioma patients and caregivers. Each option offers a different type of support depending on your needs.
Patient and Caregiver Support Programs
Each of these programs is free to access and designed to meet the unique needs of people with mesothelioma. A Patient Advocate can help you figure out which options best fit your situation and connect you right away.
Professional help from a mental health professional can help you or your loved one cope with depression and anxiety. These emotions may accompany any life-threatening illness like mesothelioma. Depression isn’t just feeling down or blue. It’s a clinical condition that may require treatment by a professional.
Clinical depression comes with a unique set of symptoms. Among them are mood swings, fatigue, feelings of sadness or emptiness that last for more than a few days, feelings of helplessness or worthlessness and changes in eating and sleeping habits.
Sources of Emotional Support
You or your caregiver can find emotional support through online support groups, counseling services and hospice care. Local churches and other places of worship serve as valuable sources of spiritual support, while community centers may offer free or reduced-cost counseling for cancer patients and their family members. Organizations such as the United Way and the American Cancer Society can connect you to emotional support services in your area.
Emotional support may also come from the mesothelioma community. Annual fundraising events and other opportunities raise awareness about mesothelioma and the dangers of asbestos exposure and help raise money for research.
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Access Help Paying for Treatment
Several organizations help ease the burden of unexpected costs and emotional stress for patients and their families. Those diagnosed with mesothelioma don’t have to face financial burdens alone when undergoing cancer treatment.
Support and Financial Guidance
Mesothelioma patients usually travel long distances to receive the best care. Organizations such as the Air Charity Network and Corporate Angel Network provide free flights to cancer patients who need air transportation to specialty treatment centers. The American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge has more than 30 locations across the country. It provides cancer patients and their caregivers with a home away from home when traveling for treatment.
Military veterans with mesothelioma and their family members can stay in one of 86 houses the Fisher House Foundation operates. The nationwide network of homes has provided more than 9 million nights of lodging for veterans since 1990.
People with this rare cancer have options for financial assistance for mesothelioma treatment, including grants, government programs such as Medicare and Social Security, as well as mesothelioma compensation. Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma are eligible for VA benefits and other forms of financial assistance. In addition to paying for treatment, financial compensation from these programs helps mesothelioma patients cover the costs of medical equipment, home care, travel expenses and end-of-life decisions.
Mesothelioma caregivers have unique needs separate from patients that require support to avoid caregiver burnout. Caregivers are the strongest source of support for mesothelioma patients, but it’s essential for caregivers to find their own types of support.
Yes.The Mesothelioma Center hosts and moderates The Caregiver Facebook Group, and Brigham and Women’s offers a weekly chaplain and social worker-led caregiver group. Many caregivers also use CanCare’s one-to-one mentor matches for additional support.
Grief counseling is also available after a loved one has passed on. Joining support groups or counseling sessions can make a huge difference. When participating in grief counseling sessions, hospice support staff or a licensed counselor can help you set goals and guide you toward achieving them.
You can join a mesothelioma-specific group online, by phone or in person. Choose the format that fits your schedule and preferences.
Because mesothelioma is such a rare cancer, it can be valuable for survivors to find people living with the same diagnosis. It’s also beneficial for mesothelioma caregivers to talk with others caring for patients.
Mesothelioma-focused support outlets are available online and over the phone, and general cancer support groups are available in person. It’s helpful to join several support groups to gain access to different sources of support when you need them. You may want an in-person group for when you’re feeling well enough to attend, and an online group for when you aren’t.
Patients and caregivers benefit from easy online access to these groups. You can access support from the comfort of your home, which is helpful for patients who don’t feel well enough to attend an in-person group.
Peer Mentoring and Caregiver-Only Options
These options are free and designed to meet you where you are. Reach out to a Patient Advocate if you need help choosing the right fit.
For example, the Coping with Mesothelioma: Online Support Group from Asbestos.com meets monthly virtually or via phone. This support group focuses solely on people with mesothelioma and caregivers. Licensed mental health counselor Dana Nolan leads the group.
The Mesothelioma Center Facebook Group is a private Facebook group, which is a safe space where people often post personal stories of day-to-day challenges and milestones. Anyone struggling to cope with a mesothelioma diagnosis is welcome to join this group.
Other beneficial online support groups for people facing mesothelioma include:
These online groups offer flexible, judgment-free support for every stage of the mesothelioma journey. If you’re not sure where to start, a Patient Advocate can help you find the right fit.
For those who prefer privacy and low-tech access, phone-based mesothelioma groups let you join anonymously and conserve energy on tough days. How to call in: After you register for Coping with Mesothelioma, request the toll-free dial-in. You’ll receive a call-in number and calendar invite within 1 business day.
Some people prefer to connect over the phone rather than virtually with a camera or in person. This provides an element of privacy that helps people feel safe to express their feelings.
The monthly Coping with Mesothelioma: Online Support Group from Asbestos.com is accessible via phone. Just reach out to us after you register, and we’ll provide you with a toll-free number to call. The MARF Telephonic Group also meets monthly over the phone to support people with mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma-specific support groups aren’t easy to find because the disease is rare. Some cancer centers that treat mesothelioma, such as Brigham and Women’s Hospital, offer support groups for people with mesothelioma.
Where to Find Local Groups
Your oncology team or a Patient Advocate can also point you toward local resources in your area. Don’t hesitate to ask — finding the right group can make a real difference.
Brigham and Women’s Hospital offers a weekly social worker and chaplain-led mesothelioma support group for caregivers and family members. The group meets Wednesdays from 12-1 p.m. in the multipurpose room on the 11th floor of the hospital.
To find support groups in your area, ask your oncology team or our Patient Advocates for resources. Look for a group that suits your needs and schedule.
A group led by a licensed mental health counselor is a plus. The monthly Coping with Mesothelioma: Online Support Group from Asbestos.com offers survivor support and access to mental health and medical experts, including a registered nurse. However, volunteer-led groups with those who have prior experience with mesothelioma can also be good options.
Support groups for cancer patients are linked with lower anxiety, less fatigue and pain and greater empowerment. Many mesothelioma survivors credit groups as a key factor in their recovery. What to expect in your first session: 60 to 75 minutes, introductions, moderated discussion and an optional resource share covering travel aid, trial alerts and caregiver tips.
Research shows joining support groups can boost mood and lower anxiety, stress, emotional distress, fatigue and pain. Many mesothelioma support groups also provide new resources that may help outside of meetings.
Some studies have found people in cancer support groups experience higher survival rates and better quality of life. Many mesothelioma survivors have said a strong support system was key to their recovery, improved well-being and feeling empowered in their journey.
A 2022 systematic review published in Psycho‐Oncology analyzed 29 studies on support groups for cancer patients. The review found support groups were linked to patients feeling personally empowered and more willing to take action to improve their situation.
Raising awareness about mesothelioma helps drive research efforts and supports the hope of finding a cure. Several national mesothelioma events and fundraising campaigns take place across the country to spread the word, but every day offers a chance for patients and their families to advocate for research and awareness. Advocacy for awareness and research funding helps those with mesothelioma feel supported and gives hope that a cure will be found.
Since 2010, Congress has recognized September 26 as National Mesothelioma Awareness Day. On this day, patients and family members are encouraged to wear blue and share photos and stories on social media about how this cancer has affected their lives.
Miles for Meso is an annual fundraiser held in honor of Mesothelioma Awareness Day. Supporters gather in person or virtually to walk or run, showing their support for families facing a tough diagnosis. The money raised goes directly to research for new mesothelioma treatments.
The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation organizes the annual International Symposium on Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma. The conference connects patients and specialists to discuss the newest advances in treatment options.
National Asbestos Awareness Week occurs each spring and gives patients and families the opportunity to teach others about the dangers of asbestos exposure, the primary cause of mesothelioma. The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, the top nonprofit dedicated to banning asbestos in the U.S., hosts the multiday International Asbestos Awareness Conference each year.
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If you are looking for mesothelioma support, please contact our Patient Advocates at (855) 404-4592
The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com has provided patients and their loved ones the most updated and reliable information on mesothelioma and asbestos exposure since 2006.
Our team of Patient Advocates includes a medical doctor, a registered nurse, health services administrators, veterans, VA-accredited Claims Agents, an oncology patient navigator and hospice care expert. Their combined expertise means we help any mesothelioma patient or loved one through every step of their cancer journey.
More than 30 contributors, including mesothelioma doctors, survivors, health care professionals and other experts, have peer-reviewed our website and written unique research-driven articles to ensure you get the highest-quality medical and health information.
My family has only the highest compliment for the assistance and support that we received from The Mesothelioma Center. This is a staff of compassionate and knowledgeable individuals who respect what your family is experiencing and who go the extra mile to make an unfortunate diagnosis less stressful. Information and assistance were provided by The Mesothelioma Center at no cost to our family.LashawnMesothelioma patient’s daughter
Asbestos.com. (2026, June 15). Mesothelioma Support. Retrieved June 16, 2026, from https://www.asbestos.com/support/
"Mesothelioma Support." Asbestos.com, 15 Jun 2026, https://www.asbestos.com/support/.
Asbestos.com. "Mesothelioma Support." Last modified June 15, 2026. https://www.asbestos.com/support/.
Dana Nolan, MS, LMHC, is a licensed mental health counselor who leads The Mesothelioma Center’s monthly support group. She specializes in working with people affected by cancer. Dana has experience with inpatient and outpatient counseling, and clinical research in the U.S. and Australia. Dana practices in Altamonte Springs, Fla.
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