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Mesothelioma Statistics & Facts

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. Of the multiple types of mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma is the most common form people develop, making up approximately 75 percent of all cases. In the United States, anywhere from 2,000 to 3,000 people pass away from malignant mesothelioma each year.

People at Risk for Pleural Mesothelioma

Statically, those most likely to contract mesothelioma are male and 65 years old or older. This is largely due to the severe latency period associated with the development of mesothelioma and occupations that have had a history of exposing workers to asbestos. Industries that routinely exposed workers to asbestos include the construction, shipyard, automotive and manufacturing industry. Power plants and chemical plants are also locations that have a history of asbestos exposure.

Other indirect cases of asbestos exposure, known as secondary exposure, have been noted to affect the lives of women and children. Many of the men who worked with asbestos would often carry home asbestos fibers on their skin and clothes, and when their wives and children would hug them after a long day at work, they too were exposed to asbestos. To date, secondary exposure has been responsible for an impactful portion of pleural mesothelioma cases.

The development of pleural mesothelioma symptoms may take 20 to 50 years to arise after someone has been exposed to asbestos. However, an extremely high concentration of exposure can shorten the latency period.

Pleural Mesothelioma Survival Rates

The majority of pleural mesothelioma cases are not discovered until the cancer has reached Stage 3 or 4, by which time it is too late for curative treatments. On average, the survival rate for mesothelioma patients is four to 18 months after receiving a diagnosis. However, improvements in diagnostic methods are allowing pathologists to detect the disease at earlier stages.

The current five-year survival rate for mesothelioma patients is about 10 percent. The one-year survival rate is approximately 40 percent. In most cases, patients elect to receive palliative care aimed at relieving pain and improving comfort rather than combating the cancer with aggressive treatments.
If you would like additional information about mesothelioma and asbestos exposure, please fill out the form on this page to receive a complimentary informational packet in the mail.

Sources

1. Altin, R. et. al. “Localized Benign Pleural Mesothelioma: A Case Report.” Monaldi Archives for Chest Disease, April-June 2003.
2. Bowker, Michael. Deadly Deception (New York: Touchstone, 2003)
3. Maines, Rachel.  Asbestos and Fire (New Brunswick: Rutgers University Press, 2005)
4. Mak, CW, et. al. “Malignant Mesothelioma of the Tunica Vaginalis Testis.” The British Journal of Radiology, vol.77 (2004).
5. Marret, Lorraine D., et. al. “Canadian Cancer Statistics at a Glance: Mesothelioma.” Canadian Medical Association Journal, 11 March 2008