Eating Well with Mesothelioma: What You Need to Know

Maintaining good nutrition during mesothelioma treatment can help you feel stronger, support your immune system, and better manage treatment side effects. Even small changes in your eating habits can make a big difference.

What is Mesothelioma ?

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that develops in the mesothelium, a thin layer of tissue that covers most of the body’s internal organs. The cancer typically affects the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) but can also occur in the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or around the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Treatment options are limited but may include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.

Helpful Nutrition Tips

• Eat small meals or snacks every 2–3 hours to keep your energy up.
• Choose soft, high-protein foods like eggs, Greek yogurt, smoothies, or soups.
• Avoid strong cooking smells if they bother you—try cold foods like sandwiches instead.
• Drink plenty of fluids, like water, milk, or 100% juice.

Adjusting for Treatment

Each treatment—chemo, surgery, radiation—can affect your appetite and how your body handles food. Stick with bland, easy-to-digest meals when you’re not feeling well, and talk with your doctor about any side effects.

Boosting Recovery with Food

• Add protein (chicken, fish, beans) to every meal.
• Use healthy fats (avocado, olive oil) to increase calories.
• Enjoy foods you love—even if that means having breakfast for dinner!

What Kind of Foods Should Mesothelioma Patients Be Cautious Of?

Avoid raw meats, unpasteurized dairy, alcohol, and anything that causes discomfort or interacts with medications. Ask your doctor about foods or supplements that may not be safe during treatment.

Stay Safe and Supported

Your immune system is more vulnerable during treatment, so always practice food safety—wash hands and produce, cook meats fully, and keep hot and cold foods at safe temperatures.

Can Exercise Benefit Most Mesothelioma Patients?

Incorporating light to moderate physical activity into your daily routine can help improve lung and heart function, boost your immune response, and reduce the side effects of mesothelioma treatment. Activities like walking, cycling, or swimming support better outcomes from chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and surgery by improving circulation and helping medications reach tumors more effectively.
Regular exercise also supports emotional health by reducing anxiety, enhancing sleep, and lifting mood. Even simple movements can ease fatigue and improve daily function. Studies have shown that consistent physical activity can shorten hospital stays and lower the risk of complications after surgery.

Starting and Sticking to an Exercise Routine

Beginning an exercise program can be challenging, especially when dealing with pain, fatigue, or fear of worsening symptoms. But even short walks or light chores can help build stamina and confidence. Tailoring your routine to your energy levels and progressing gradually is key.
Programs like prehabilitation, which prepares the body before surgery, have been shown to reduce recovery time and improve surgical outcomes. Exercises that focus on respiratory strength, flexibility, and core mobility are especially helpful.

What Are the Recommended Exercises for Mesothelioma Patients?

• Aerobic activities (walking, swimming, light cycling) improve heart health and help manage symptoms.
• Strength training (using your own body weight, resistance bands, or light weights) maintains muscle mass and supports bone health.
• Flexibility and balance exercises (yoga, tai chi, stretching) enhance mobility and reduce the risk of injury.

Patients are encouraged to aim for 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week, spread out in manageable sessions. Strength and flexibility exercises can be performed two to three times a week and adjusted based on personal ability.

You Can Also Read Mesothelioma Diet and Nutrition by Asbestos.com

Tips for Success

• Start slow and increase intensity gradually.
• Avoid public gyms if you’re at high risk of infection.
• Break workouts into shorter sessions if energy is low.
• Stay motivated by choosing activities you enjoy and tracking progress.
• Consult with your doctor or a cancer exercise specialist for a personalized plan.

Many mesothelioma survivors remain active through modified hobbies like swimming, hiking, or yoga. With the right approach and support, exercise can be a powerful tool in improving both physical and emotional well-being during treatment and recovery.

This guest article was contributed by a multidisciplinary team from Asbestos.com: Michelle Whitmer, an experienced health writer specializing in asbestos-related diseases; Sean Marchese, MS, RN, an oncology nurse with clinical expertise in asbestos illnesses; and Dr. Diana Margarita Maria Molinares Mejia, Director of Oncology Rehabilitation Medicine at Sylvester Cancer Center and a leading expert in mesothelioma care.