Mesothelioma statistics show that there are about 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma diagnosed in the United States each year. The cancer occurs mostly in men. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form, about 80 – 90% of all cases. The average age at diagnosis is between 65 and 74 years old.
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If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be wondering about your prognosis. Here, we have gathered the most recent mesothelioma statistics in the United States to give you a better understanding of the disease.
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that develops in the thin lining that covers most of our internal organs, known as the mesothelium. The only known cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos fibers, which can happen through inhalation or ingestion. Although asbestos exposure can occur in many different workplaces, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that most cases have been linked to exposure in the construction industry.
The History Of Asbestos In The United States
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once widely used in a variety of industries due to its unique properties. Unfortunately, it has also been linked to a number of serious health conditions, including mesothelioma. As a result, the use of asbestos has declined sharply in recent years.
Despite this, asbestos is still present in many older buildings and products. This means that people can still be exposed to asbestos fibers, which can lead to mesothelioma.
Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma. In the United States, asbestos exposure is most commonly associated with occupational exposure. This means that people who work in certain industries, such as construction or shipbuilding, are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.
Asbestos exposure can also occur at home if there are asbestos-containing materials present. For example, people who live in older homes may be exposed to asbestos fibers if the home contains asbestos insulation or other materials containing asbestos.
The use of asbestos has declined sharply in recent years due to the link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma. However, it is still present in many older buildings and products, which means that people
Mesothelioma Statistics in the United States
Approximately 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed each year in the United States. Additionally, there are 2,500 mesothelioma-related deaths in the US each year. The CDC collects information on both mesothelioma incidence and mortality rates. This data provides information on how many patients are diagnosed with mesothelioma and die from the cancer. The most recent information is from 1999 to 2016 or 2017.
- 57,657 cases of mesothelioma were diagnosed between 1999 and 2016.
- 47,660 deaths from mesothelioma were reported between 1999 and 2017.
- Mesothelioma mortality rates remain steady. There were 2,479 mesothelioma deaths reported in 1999 and 2,651 deaths reported in 2017.
- Researchers estimate that 20 million people in the United States are at risk of developing mesothelioma at some point in their lives.
It is also possible to break down statistics for mesothelioma cases by state. Analyzing statistics in this way can provide insight into areas with more cases of naturally occurring asbestos, prevalence of high-risk occupations and other mesothelioma risk factors.
According to the most recent data available, from 1999 – 2016, the southern United States has the most diagnosed cases of mesothelioma.
- Southern United States:18,414 mesothelioma diagnoses
- Midwestern United States:13,720 mesothelioma diagnoses
- Northeastern United States: 13,397 mesothelioma diagnoses
- Western United States: 12,136 mesothelioma diagnoses
Broken down by state, California, Florida, Pennsylvania, New York and Texas had the highest rates of diagnosis and death for mesothelioma. However, these states also have the largest populations, which can affect data.
| Mesothelioma Statistics by State | ||
|---|---|---|
| diagnosis* | dead** | |
| California | 5.867 | 4.786 |
| Florida | 4.210 | 3.151 |
| Pennsylvania | 3.684 | 3.092 |
| New York | 3.667 | 2.606 |
| Texas | 3.241 | 2.462 |
*Diagnoses data from 1999 to 2016
** Mortality data from 1999 to 2017
Mesothelioma Statistics by Age & Gender
Mesothelioma is diagnosed more often among men than women. Scientists believe that the difference in incident rates is due to the fact that men have a higher risk of occupational exposure to asbestos.
The latency period also affects age-related mesothelioma statistics. Mesothelioma symptoms typically take 10 – 50 years to develop, increasing the average age at diagnosis. The average age at diagnosis of mesothelioma is 74 years old, regardless of race and gender.
- Average age at diagnosis for female patients: 71 years old
- Average age at diagnosis for male patients: 75 years old
The following statistics were gathered from the most recent data available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
Mesothelioma Statistics from 1999 to 2016
- 44,538 men and 13,119 women were diagnosed with mesothelioma in the United States.
- 10,743 cases were diagnosed among the 75 – 79 year olds.
- 9,391 cases were diagnosed among the 70 – 74 year olds.
- 5,399 cases were diagnosed among the 60 – 64 year olds.
- 37,874 men and 9,786 women died of mesothelioma in the United States.*
- Most mesothelioma deaths were between the ages of 75 – 84, accounting for 14,461 deaths.*
- 1,403 mesothelioma deaths occurred in patients under the age of 50.*
*Mesothelioma statistics from 1999 to 2017
Mesothelioma Statistics by Location
There are four types of mesothelioma, differentiated by where the cancer originates. The location of the cancer affects how the disease will develop and be treated.
Pleural Mesothelioma
- Accounts for 80 – 90% of all mesothelioma diagnoses
- Develops within the lung linings
- 2,500 diagnoses each year
Peritoneal mesothelioma
- Accounts for 15 – 20% of all mesothelioma diagnoses
- Develops within the abdominal lining
- 500 diagnoses every year
Pericardial Mesothelioma
- Accounts for approximately 1% of all mesothelioma diagnoses
- Develops within the heart lining
- Less than 50 diagnoses each year
Testicular Mesothelioma
- Accounts for less than 1% of all mesothelioma diagnoses
- Develops within the testicular linings
- Only about 100 cases described in medical literature
Mesothelioma Survival Statistics
Survival rates for mesothelioma patients vary based on a variety of factors:
- Life time
- Sex
- Mesothelioma type
- Mesothelioma stage at the time of diagnosis
- General health
However, Mesothelioma statistics can be used to give doctors and patients a better idea of ??how the cancer may progress to provide an accurate mesothelioma prognosis.
Survival Rates By Mesothelioma Location And Stage
- Peritoneal mesothelioma has a 1-year survival rate of about 92% and a 5-year survival rate of about 65%.
- Pleural mesothelioma has a 1-year survival rate of about 73% and a 5-year survival rate of about 12%.
- Pericardial mesothelioma has a 1-year survival rate of 51%, with an average life expectancy of approximately six months.
- Testicular mesothelioma has limited survival data available, but case studies indicate a median survival of 20 – 23 months.
Those diagnosed in the early stages often experience more favorable survival rates than those diagnosed in the later stages of mesothelioma. This is largely due to cancer progression and the number of treatment options available.
Malignant pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of cancer. As a result, it is the most studied form of the disease. The American Cancer Society has established average pleuralmesothelioma survival rates by stage.
Stage 1 Pleural Mesothelioma
- 2-year survival rate is approximately 41 – 46%
- 5-year survival rate is about 13 – 16%
Stage 2 Pleural Mesothelioma
- 2-year survival rate is about 38%
- 5-year survival is about 10%
Stage 3 Pleural Mesothelioma
- 2-year survival rate is about 26 – 30%
- 5-year survival rate is about 5 – 8%
Stage 4 Pleural Mesothelioma
- 2-year survival rate is about 17%
- 5-year survival rate is typically less than 1%
Other forms of mesothelioma are rarer and have limited stage-specific survival rates and mortality data available.
Survival Rates By Age And Sex
Female mesothelioma patients generally have better survival rates than males.
| 5-Year Mesothelioma Survival Rate by Age and Gender | ||
|---|---|---|
| Age at diagnosis | Male | Female |
| 55 – 64 years old | 9,8% | 17% |
| 65 – 74 years old | 8% | 14,7% |
| 75+ years old | 2,8% | 6,1% |
In addition, data show that younger patients typically have better survival rates than older patients. This is believed to be because younger patients tend to have better overall health and are often able to receive more aggressivemesothelioma treatments.
Asbestos Statistics
Since asbestos is still not completely banned in the United States , it is important that the public is well educated about the toxin and prevent dangerous exposure that led to mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases They can’t.
Asbestos in the United States Asbestos has a long history in the United States, despite researchers recognizing the health risks associated with exposure by the 1920s, if not earlier. There were thousands of asbestos products on the market for many years. As a result, workers were often exposed to asbestos on various jobsites. Family members also face second-hand exposure when workers inadvertently bring fiber into the home.
Although the use of asbestos today is not as prevalent as it once was, advocates still hope for a complete ban on the toxin in the near future. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently investigating asbestos and nine other hazardous chemicals for possible changes to the law, such as a ban.
Quick Facts
At its peak, the United States imported more than 803,000 tons of asbestos in 1973.
In 2016, 340 pounds of raw asbestos were imported.
The last asbestos mine in the United States closed in 2002 .
In 2015, more than 25.6 million pounds of asbestos were disposed of.
How Asbestos Exposure Can Cause Mesothelioma
Asbestos exposure is the leading cause of mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer that forms in the lining of the lungs, heart, or abdomen. Although asbestos is no longer used in many industries, it can still be found in older buildings and products.
When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can become lodged in the lining of the lungs and other organs. Over time, these fibers can cause inflammation and scarring, which can lead to mesothelioma.
There is no cure for mesothelioma, and treatment options are limited. The average life expectancy for someone with mesothelioma is just 12-21 months after diagnosis.
These mesothelioma statistics underscore the need for more awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure. If you think you may have been exposed to asbestos, it’s important to see a doctor and get tested for mesothelioma.
The Current State Of Mesothelioma In The United States
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, heart, or abdomen. It is caused by exposure to asbestos, and can take many years to develop.
According to the American Cancer Society, there will be about 3,160 new cases of mesothelioma diagnosed in the United States in 2019.
The average age at diagnosis is 72. The disease is more common in men than women, and white men are more likely to be diagnosed than men of other races.
There is no cure for mesothelioma, but treatment options are available. These include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Clinical trials are also an option for some patients.
The prognosis for mesothelioma patients depends on many factors, including the stage of the disease at diagnosis, the type of mesothelioma, and the patient’s age and overall health.
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it’s important to seek out experienced medical help to create the best treatment plan for you.
Future Projections For Mesothelioma In The United States
Asbestos is a known human carcinogen, and exposure to asbestos fibers can cause mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer that forms in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. Despite the known risks of asbestos exposure, it remains a common environmental pollutant in the United States.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), there are approximately 3,000 active asbestos mines and mills in the United States, and asbestos is still used in some commercial products. As a result, many Americans are still at risk for developing mesothelioma.
Although mesothelioma incidence rates have remained relatively stable over the past few decades, there is reason to believe that they will increase in the future. This is because people who were exposed to asbestos in the past may not start showing symptoms of mesothelioma for decades.
As more and more people who were exposed to asbestos in the past reach an age where they are more likely to develop mesothelioma, we can expect to see an increase in mesothelioma cases in the United States. Unfortunately, there is no cure for mesothelioma, and treatment options are limited.
What You Can Do To Prevent Mesothelioma
There is no known way to prevent mesothelioma, as the cause is exposure to asbestos. However, there are ways to minimize your risk of exposure. If you work with or around asbestos, be sure to take precautions to avoid inhaling the fibers. When dealing with asbestos-containing materials, always wear a respirator and protective clothing. If you live in an older home, have it inspected for asbestos and have any damaged or loose material repaired or removed by a professional.
Conclusion
Asbestos is a dangerous substance that can cause mesothelioma, a deadly cancer. If you have been exposed to asbestos, it’s important to get tested so that you can catch the disease early. The United States has one of the highest rates of mesothelioma in the world, so it’s important to be aware of the risks. By understanding the statistics on asbestos and mesothelioma, we can help keep people safe and reduce the number of cases of this disease.