Learn how anxiety can affect those diagnosed with mesothelioma, and discover tips on how to reduce that anxiety.

1. Anxiety and Mesothelioma
Dana Nolan, MS LMHC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor

2. Anxiety and Cancer
Anxiety is common when facing a cancer diagnosis
such as mesothelioma.
Researchers found that 44 percent of cancer patients
report some anxiety and 21 percent report severe
anxiety requiring treatment.
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3. What Contributes to Anxiety in
Mesothelioma Patients?
 Uncertainty of a cancer diagnosis
 Fear of cancer returning or progressing
 Fear of pain & disability
 Fear of death
 Loss of control (schedule, physical, future)
 Fear of changes in relationships or roles
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4. What Is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a disturbing feeling when facing stress and
uncertainty.
Symptoms of Anxiety:
Excessive worry
Poor sleep
Irritability
Restlessness
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 Muscle tension
 Poor concentration
 Panic symptoms (rapid heart rate,
sweating, shortness of breath, nausea,
dizziness and high blood pressure)

5. When Does Anxiety Need to Be
Professionally Addressed?
When it’s affecting your:
Sleep habits, weight or appetite
Relationships (withdrawing from loved ones or
having frequent arguments)
Ability to work or meet your responsibilities
Ability to complete your mesothelioma
treatment or make decisions about your care
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6. Risk Factors Associated with
Anxiety During Treatment
 Personal or family history of anxiety
disorder
 Drug or alcohol abuse
 History of physical or emotional trauma
 Lack of emotional support
 Uncontrolled pain
 Cancer progression
 Unable to care for themselves due to pain,
fatigue or disease progression
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7. Relationship Between Anxiety,
Mesothelioma and Treatment
Anxiety can worsen some of the symptoms of
mesothelioma or exacerbate the treatment side effects.
If a patient is anxious and not sleeping, then their
cancer-related fatigue will worsen.
If a patient is experiencing nausea from chemotherapy,
then anxiety may increase the nausea.
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8. Screening for Anxiety
 In 1999, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network
recommended routine screening and treatment for anxiety (and
other types of emotional distress) throughout cancer care.
 Many oncology practices now regularly assess their patients for
symptoms of anxiety and make referrals to mental health
professionals for treatment.
SOURCE: http://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/f_guidelines.asp
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9. Treating Anxiety When Diagnosed with
Mesothelioma
Anti-anxiety medications:
Ativan (Lorazepam)
Xanax (Alprazolam)
Ativan is commonly given with chemotherapy as it also
has an anti-emetic effect.
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Valium (Diazepam)
Klonopin (Clonazepam)

10. Medication Use
Some cancer patients are reluctant
to try medication for anxiety for
fear of addiction or over-sedation.
However, its short-term use is
appropriate and common in cancer
care and significantly improves
quality of life.
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11. Counseling and Behavioral Techniques
Relaxation strategies
Psychotherapy challenges irrational
beliefs and thoughts that can
contribute to anxiety
Learning to problem-solve and
practice healthy coping skills helps
mesothelioma patients manage their
anxiety symptoms
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12. Conclusions
Anxiety is common throughout during the
course of mesothelioma care.
Oncologists and cancer centers now are
routinely screening for anxiety and offering
referrals to counselors or prescribing anxiety
medication to alleviate the distress associated
with anxiety.
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13. Contact Information
1-800-615-2270
(800) 615-2270