Mesothelioma is a type of malignant cancer that is typically seen around the lungs. One of the primary causes of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Miners have a high risk of contracting mesothelioma as do rescue workers, like the first responders to the September 11, 2001 attacks. However, mesothelioma can affect many other people too. Here are the mesothelioma statistics you need to know.
Number of Mesothelioma Cases and Deaths
According to the American Cancer Society:
- About 3,000 cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed per year in the US.
- About 2,500 deaths per year are attributable to mesothelioma.
- The rate of mesothelioma diagnoses currently remains stable or slightly lower after an increase between the 1970s and 1990s.
- In the UK, which has a smaller population than the US, 2,688 cases of mesothelioma were diagnosed in 2012, with 2,429 deaths.
Demographics of Mesothelioma
- Men have a higher incidence of mesothelioma than women.
- The decline in the number of overall mesothelioma cases is likely due to an overall trend in men’s workplaces, as fewer are now exposed to asbestos (e.g., mining).
- This type of cancer is more prevalent in Caucasians and Hispanics than in other races or ethnicities.
- According to the American Cancer Society, the average age of mesothelioma diagnosis is 69.
Risk Factors for Mesothelioma
- Roughly 80% of mesothelioma cases result from asbestos exposure.
- Asbestos exposure is linked to some jobs like mining, factory work, creating or installing insulation, plumbing, or construction, among others.
- A worker’s family can also be exposed to asbestos from inhaling the tiny fibers that cling to clothing.
- Exposure to high doses of radiation to the chest can also lead to mesothelioma.
Diagnosis and Survival Numbers for Mesothelioma
- Mesothelioma can take years to show up after exposure to risk factors – between 20 and 40 years.
- The 9/11 first responders experienced an average of 11-years’ latency of onset.
- 5-year survival rates for mesothelioma depend on how old a person is when the cancer is detected. If diagnosed before age 45, patients have more than a 40% chance of surviving – but that chance drops dramatically with age.
- However, since mesothelioma is resistant to radiation and chemotherapy, long-term survival or complete remission is rare.
If you think you have symptoms of mesothelioma along with risk factors for the disease, it’s important to see your doctor as soon as possible. If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our legal team to talk about whether you can be compensated for the costs of your medical expenses, time spent off work, and more.