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Remember that your hospital doctors, nurses, GP and other health professionals are there to support you, and to give you information. Talk to them and feel free to ask them questions.
Your hospital may have a lung cancer nurse specialist who is an expert in helping people with your type of cancer.
You may also like to contact one of our Cancer Information Centres.
There are a number of local or national support group and information services.
Your hospital social worker will be able to help with practical and financial matters. There are services that can help too.
Financial compensation
If mesothelioma has been caused because of work-related exposure to asbestos, you may be entitled to financial compensation, either through the government’s industrial injuries compensation scheme, or by making a civil claim in the courts.
To claim state industrial injuries benefit, you will need to send in a report from your doctor which gives a diagnosis of mesothelioma. You will then be treated as 100% disabled, and entitled to the maximum basic payment. You can obtain a claim form by calling the Benefit Enquiry Line on 0800 88 22 00 and asking for the form Pneumoconiosis, Byssinosis, Mesothelioma B1 (110 pn).
To make a civil claim, because of time-limits, you should seek legal advice as soon as possible. Your trade union may be able to help you with the claim, otherwise a law centre or advice service will be able to help you to find a solicitor who specialises in industrial injuries.
Art activities
There is an opportunity to have a go at a range of different art and craft activities at Room for You, Northern Centre for Cancer Care, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne.
