Posted on October 26, 2026

Important Notice: ADAO does not provide medical referrals, rank physicians or treatment centers, diagnose disease, or recommend individual treatment. Patients should discuss medical decisions with their treating physicians and health care teams.

A diagnosis of mesothelioma or another asbestos-related cancer can immediately bring a flood of questions:

Where should I go?
Does my doctor have experience with this rare disease?
Should I get a second opinion?
What treatments are available?
Are there clinical trials I should know about?

Health literacy means having credible information that helps you ask those questions and make informed decisions with your medical team.

For the final installment of ADAO’s 2026 Health Literacy Month series, we focus on finding specialized cancer care.

ADAO’s 2026 Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Series

October 1 — Health Literacy Month Landing Page
October 5 — Part One: Prevent Asbestos Exposure
October 12 — Part Two: Recognize High-Risk Occupations and Exposures
October 19 — Part Three: Understand the Warning Symptoms of Asbestos-Related Diseases
October 26 — Part Four: Finding a Center of Excellence for Treatment

Finding Specialized Mesothelioma Care: What to Look for in a Center of Excellence

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, and experience in treating it matters. The term “Center of Excellence” can be used broadly, so patients and families should look past the name and ask direct questions about how much experience that specific center has in treating mesothelioma.

Questions may include:

  • How much experience does the center have evaluating and treating mesothelioma?
  • Does the center have physicians who specialize in mesothelioma and use multidisciplinary review, including expert pathology when needed?
  • What treatment approaches are appropriate for my specific disease and stage?
  • Does the center participate in mesothelioma research or clinical trials?
  • Can I obtain a second opinion, and how will the center coordinate with my local physicians and support needs?

Treatment options have expanded and may include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, surgery or radiation for selected patients, symptom-directed care, and clinical trials. The appropriate approach depends on the type and stage of mesothelioma, overall health, and other individual factors.

Consider Specialized Cancer Centers

The National Cancer Institute’s directory of designated cancer centers can be a useful starting point, but NCI designation does not by itself indicate mesothelioma specialization. Patients should confirm that a center provides clinical care and ask about its mesothelioma experience, treatment volume, multidisciplinary expertise, research, and clinical trials.

A Second Opinion Can Be Valuable

A second opinion can help confirm pathology, clarify the diagnosis, identify additional treatment options, or explore clinical trials.

For a rare cancer such as mesothelioma, disease-specific experience can be especially valuable.

Ask About Clinical Trials

Clinical trials continue to evaluate established and emerging approaches to mesothelioma treatment. Availability and eligibility change frequently, so patients should ask their medical team whether a trial may be appropriate.

Support Matters Too

Patients and families may also need help with transportation, lodging, insurance questions, emotional support, caregiver needs, and navigating a complicated health care system.

The American Cancer Society offers information and support through ACS CARES, and the National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Information Service provides cancer information and helps locate treatment resources and clinical trials at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237).

Be an Informed Partner in Your Care

No website, organization, or checklist can make an individual medical decision for you.

But good information can help you ask better questions.

  • Know your diagnosis.
  • Understand your pathology.
  • Ask about experience.
  • Ask about all appropriate treatment options.
  • Consider a second opinion.
  • Ask about clinical trials.
  • Understand the support services available to you.

Most importantly, work with qualified medical professionals who understand your disease and your individual circumstances.

Health literacy is knowledge put into action. Throughout October, our goal has been to give people practical information they can use: prevent exposure, recognize risk, understand warning symptoms, and know how to seek specialized care.

And prevention remains where this series began.

“Hear Asbestos. Think Prevention.”™

Linda Reinstein
President and Co-Founder
Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization