Mesothelioma UK is pleased to share the Uncovering Mesothelioma report, published by the pharmaceutical company Bristol Myers Squibb.

Mesothelioma patients are often diagnosed with late-stage disease and receive a poor prognosis. There is an urgent need for action to address the barriers many patients face during the diagnosis and treatment of their condition. It can often be a lengthy process to get a diagnosis due to limited awareness and symptoms overlapping with other conditions¹.

Interviews were held with five mesothelioma patients and one carer to understand the patient experience throughout the diagnosis pathway, which identified key recommendations for improvement. Due to the small number of interviewees, the report cannot be said to represent the wider population but rather provide a snapshot of lived experience.

Recommendations are diverse, covering the onset of symptoms, presentation in primary care, diagnosis confirmation and treatment planning. Ultimately, the report suggests that changes are needed throughout the patient pathway to ensure that public awareness is raised, diagnosis is sped up, patient communications are improved, and that access to high quality treatment and care is consistent across the country.

Mesothelioma UK was invited by Bristol Myers Squibb to share our expertise in shaping this report.

Click to read the Uncovering Mesothelioma report.

¹ American Cancer Society (2018) Signs and Symptoms of Mesothelioma. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/malignant-mesothelioma/detection-diagnosis-staging/signs-symptoms.html [Available at 17.08.22]