Free Mesothelioma Book & Top Cancer Reading Recommendations
A mesothelioma diagnosis can lead to many questions and emotions. Many cancer books offer answers, compassion and support during this time. They explain treatment, caregiving and legal options, among other valuable topics. Find recommended cancer reading below, including our free book with 100 Q&As.
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100 Questions & Answers About Mesothelioma
100 Questions & Answers About Mesothelioma has become a top resource for this rare cancer. It was created by healthcare professionals and family members of mesothelioma patients. By offering unique and valuable insights, it helps patients and their loved ones make informed decisions. This resource is available for free through our website.
This mesothelioma book covers topics that are important to patients and their families, including:
- An overview of mesothelioma cancer
- Caregiving and support for patients’ family members
- Post-treatment recovery information and expectations
- Support for coping with this diagnosis
- Treatment options and advice
- Victims’ legal rights
Dr. Harvey I. Pass is a renowned thoracic surgeon who specializes in mesothelioma. Dr. Pass has been contributing to mesothelioma research since the 1990s. He has been involved in several clinical trials for promising mesothelioma treatments. Dr. Pass has also focused on research to help with early detection.
Mary Hesdorffer, NP, treated mesothelioma patients for more than 15 years. She later worked with the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation. She served as the nonprofit’s Executive Director until 2021.
Sarah Elizabeth and Sarah Ann Lake are the surviving wife and daughter of mesothelioma patient Phil Lake. Phil survived for nearly 10 years after his diagnosis. Sarah Elizabeth and Sarah Ann describe their experiences of caring for Phil. They also share ways they found support during that difficult time.
The authors of this mesothelioma book share their unique knowledge, insights and experiences around this cancer. This book has helped countless mesothelioma patients and their loved ones. It answers their most pressing questions and strives to make them feel supported.
Helpful Books for Mesothelioma Patients and Loved Ones
Books can be a powerful source of guidance for those affected by cancer. Many titles provide information about diagnosis, treatment decisions, diet and nutrition, caregiving and emotional well-being. While not all books are written specifically for mesothelioma, they can still provide meaningful insights and a sense of community for patients and families. Our website also offers mesothelioma resources designed to assist patients and loved ones through every stage of their journey.
We have compiled a list of books to help further educate and support those dealing with a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Diet & Nutrition
Diet & nutrition plays a key role for mesothelioma patients before, during and after treatment. A balanced diet may help strengthen the immune system, reduce side effects and improve overall quality of life.
The Cancer-Fighting Kitchen: Nourishing, Big-Flavor Recipes for Cancer Treatment and Recovery
A nutrient-rich, balanced diet may ease cancer treatment side effects for mesothelioma patients. This IACP award-winning second edition of The Cancer-Fighting Kitchen, published in 2017, has 150 new and updated recipes for cancer patients at every stage of treatment. Each recipe is followed by a nutritional analysis, scientific-based research and explanations of the potential benefits of different foods. Cooking during treatment can be difficult. This book offers easy recipes and tips for caregivers on meal prep and building a nutrition support team.
The Cancer Diet Cookbook: Comforting Recipes for Treatment and Recovery
Published in 2020, The Cancer Diet Cookbook, features 100 easy recipes for people undergoing cancer treatment. Many recipes can be made in under 30 minutes. The cookbook highlights practical meals that help with appetite loss, nausea and fatigue. With simple instructions and healthy ingredients, this book offers accessible ways to stay nourished and energized while receiving cancer care.
What to Eat During Cancer Treatment
Following a cancer-specific diet can help mesothelioma patients manage treatment side effects. What to Eat During Cancer Treatment, published in 2018 by the American Cancer Society, offers 130 recipes and evidence-based guidance that address eating challenges. For instance, patients receiving chemotherapy often experience nausea and taste changes. Tips for cancer treatment nutrition can help manage these side effects. Additionally, this book features other food-related topics, like food safety, hydration and vitamin deficiencies.
Eat to Beat Disease: The New Science of How Your Body Can Heal Itself
Written by Dr. William W. Li, this New York Times bestseller was published in 2019. Eat to Beat Disease explores how everyday foods can boost the body’s natural defense systems against cancer and other illnesses. Supported by scientific research, Dr. Li shares practical dietary tips for prevention and wellness. While not focused solely on cancer, it’s widely recognized for its insights on using nutrition to support long-term health.
Stories of Hope, Strength & Inspiration
Personal stories from other cancer patients and families can provide comfort, encouragement and strength. These books share experiences of resilience and hope to remind mesothelioma patients that they are not alone.
The Emperor of All Maladies
The history of cancer is long and complex, beginning centuries ago and still evolving today. The Emperor of All Maladies, a Pulitzer Prize winning book, provides a full history of this illness. Written as a biography of cancer, it traces the disease from ancient times to the modern fight for a cure. This book is written by Siddhartha Mukherjee, a physician and researcher. He highlights key advances in cancer research, innovative treatments and recent changes in how we treat cancer.
When Breath Becomes Air
When Breath Becomes Air is a memoir by a neurosurgeon who was diagnosed with cancer. In this book, Dr. Paul Kalanithi shares the story of his diagnosis. He explains how cancer changed his outlook on life and death. His memoir is a reflection on the abstract questions many cancer patients face. This moving book may bring up emotions for readers, but also offers comfort as Dr. Kalanithi discusses how he processed his cancer diagnosis. His perspective as both a patient and doctor is insightful.
Between Two Kingdoms: A Memoir of a Life Interrupted
Published in 2021, this New York Times bestseller by Suleika Jaouad chronicles her four-year battle with leukemia and life after remission. She writes about identity, survival and healing beyond illness, and the struggles around rebuilding life after cancer. Inspiring and raw, Between Two Kingdoms speaks to the challenges of finding strength and hope when life is divided between sickness and recovery.
Radical Hope: 10 Key Healing Factors from Exceptional Survivors of Cancer & Other Diseases
Radical Hope, published in 2021, explores real-life cases of radical remissions from cancer and other diseases collected by Kelly A. Turner, PhD Each chapter shares a survivor’s story and how they applied one of ten key Radical Remission healing factors. Turner offers updated research, practical tips and guidance for integrating these principles. With warmth and hope, the book highlights the strength of the human spirit and helps readers take ownership of their healing journey toward remission.
Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Cancer Book
Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Cancer Book is a collection of 101 personal cancer stories to help inspire and support others. These stories were shared by cancer patients, their loved ones and medical professionals. This book covers a wide range of experiences, from diagnosis to treatment and recovery. Some patients share about receiving their diagnosis or telling loved ones about it. Others discuss coping with treatment side effects and end-of-life care.
Battling Cancer From the Sidelines – A Spouse’s Recollection
Published in 2024, this memoir shares the perspective of a spouse supporting their partner through cancer. Battling Cancer From the Sidelines offers a heartfelt look at the emotional challenges caregivers face, from fear and stress to love and resilience. While deeply personal, the story resonates with many families navigating a cancer journey together. The book emphasizes the essential role caregivers play in decision-making and handling daily challenges. It is a reminder that caregivers also need hope and support.
Support & Education
These books provide practical tools and reliable information to help mesothelioma patients and caregivers face the challenges of mesothelioma. From understanding treatment options to finding everyday support, they offer knowledge that can make the journey easier.
The Caregiver’s Guide to Cancer: Compassionate Advice for Caring for You and Your Loved One
Caregivers of cancer patients face many emotions and challenges. The Caregiver’s Guide to Cancer helps them address their own needs while caring for their loved ones. This guide also offers self-care tips and provides guidance how to support patients, make decisions and advocate effectively. Author Victoria Landes, a licensed clinical social worker with over 30 years in medicine and 12 years in cancer care, shares her invaluable expertise and perspective. During this time, she worked with patients, survivors and their loved ones. In this book, she shares her invaluable perspective and expertise.
Braving Chemo: What to Expect, How to Prepare and How to Get Through It
Mesothelioma patients may undergo chemotherapy in their treatment plans. Braving Chemo, published in 2019, is a guidebook that explains what to expect during chemotherapy, including side effects and how to manage them. It also answers some of the larger questions around chemotherapy treatment with honesty and compassion. Author Beverly A. Zavaleta is a doctor and cancer survivor. She offers practical advice and emotional support from both her medical and personal experience.
Cancer Secrets: An Integrative Oncologist Reveals How to Fight Cancer Using the Best of Modern Medicine and Natural Therapies
Cancer Secrets, second edition published in 2023, offers practical guidance from integrative oncologist, Jonathan Stegall, MD. Drawing on his experience with patients, the bestselling author explains which therapies work and which do not. This easy-to-read book provides evidence-based insights and information regarding integrative strategies, including both conventional approaches and complementary therapies. It is a valuable resource for patients and families navigating mesothelioma treatment.
How Medicine Works and When It Doesn’t
Dr. F. Perry Wilson’s book How Medicine Works and When It Doesn’t discusses the crucial role of trust in the doctor-patient relationship. Dr. Wilson emphasizes the importance of mutual trust for effective healthcare. He acknowledges the tension between patients and healthcare providers while highlighting the issues within the healthcare system that have damaged this trust for many people. Dr. Wilson offers solutions to overcome these challenges and rebuild trust. He believes patients and doctors can work together to fight disease and reduce suffering.
Did You Know?
There are only 3,000 mesothelioma cases per year in the U.S. Many doctors have little or no experience with this rare cancer.
It is imperative to consult with an experienced mesothelioma specialist to ensure you or your loved one receives the best treatment plan possible.
Additional Resources for Mesothelioma Patients and Their Families
Since 1996, Mesothelioma.com has worked to be the top resource for patients and their families. Our goal is to provide the information you need to make important medical and financial decisions.
To this end, we offer many resources to address the needs of the mesothelioma community. Our resources include support for caregivers, help finding treatment and access to legal guidance. Our free mesothelioma information guide can also answer many of the most common questions.
Through our website, patients can speak to mesothelioma survivor Heather Von St. James. She provides a listening ear and shares more about her own experience. For more than a decade, Heather has been a source of hope in this community.
I distinctly remember it was the middle of the night. I couldn’t sleep, so I got up and went online and googled “mesothelioma.” It was not long after my diagnosis. I read some of Mesothelioma.com and filled out the form.
The next morning at about 10 am, Jennifer called me. For the first time, I felt like I was talking to someone who understood my concerns, my fear and what I was up against. She assured me that Dr. Sugarbaker was the absolute BEST choice for me, and she promised she would do everything she could for me. It was the start of a great relationship.
Heather Von St. James
Caregiver Resources
Mesothelioma caregivers play an important but challenging role in patients’ lives. Finding the right resources and support system can greatly impact caregivers’ well-being. It also allows them to give patients the best care possible.
We offer in-depth information and support around many caregiver topics, including:
- Counseling and other support services
- End-of-life planning
- Navigating health insurance and treatment costs
- Planning for long-term care
Find more information about these topics on our Caregiver Resources page.
Patient Resources
We are dedicated to providing vital resources for mesothelioma patients and their families. We have helped thousands of patients and their families navigate the challenges of a mesothelioma diagnosis. Visit our Patient Resources page to learn more about our offerings.
After a diagnosis, patients face many important decisions around treatment. Our free treatment guide explains standard and cutting-edge treatment options. We also help patients find mesothelioma doctors and cancer centers.
Our pages explain many mesothelioma topics in more detail, including:
- Mesothelioma: Read an overview of this type of cancer with details about many important topics.
- Pleural mesothelioma: Find the most up-to-date information on the most common type of mesothelioma.
- Peritoneal mesothelioma: Find the most up-to-date information on the second-most common type of mesothelioma.
- Mesothelioma treatment: Discover common treatment options and directories for specialized doctors and cancer centers.
- Mesothelioma prognosis: Learn more about what a prognosis means and which factors may impact survival or help improve prognosis.
- Mesothelioma nutrition: Read about tips for nutrition with a cancer diagnosis and how to manage treatment side effects through food.
- Mesothelioma blog: Learn about emotional support tools, promising mesothelioma research, asbestos exposure and more.
We recognize the financial strain that comes along with a mesothelioma diagnosis. Financial assistance may be available to help with treatment costs and lost wages. We guide patients and their families throughout this process.
For those interested in legal action, we can make connections to mesothelioma lawyers who can help with every step of the process. This allows patients to focus on their treatment and time with loved ones.
Sources
Beverlyzavaletamd.com. ABOUT BEVERLY A. ZAVALETA, MD.
Living In Harmony with Vicki Landes. ABOUT VICKI LANDES.
Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation®. Mary Hesdorffer announces retirement as executive director.
NYU Langone Health. Harvey I. Pass, MD.
Annette Charlevois is a Patient Support Coordinator for Mesothelioma.com. For more than 20 years, she has helped thousands of mesothelioma patients and their families get the assistance they need.
