Mesothelioma Statistics

Though the disease is rare, with the latest numbers from the National Institute of Health (NIH) estimating people only face a 0.04% chance of developing the cancer in their lifetime, it can still potentially affect millions. Research has estimated at least 20 million people could develop the disease, and millions of people around the world are exposed to asbestos each year. Those exposed may also face a number of other asbestos-related diseases, like lung cancer and asbestosis.

In addition to its rarity, mesothelioma is often most commonly linked to its poor prognosis. Because of the latency period and nonspecific mesothelioma symptoms, diagnosis is often delayed. Reports have shown that mesothelioma patients on average survive 12 to 21 months, though survival rates have improved slightly in recent years because of clinical trials and new treatment options, like immunotherapy. Peritoneal mesothelioma, in particular, has seen much-improved survival rates in recent years, with studies showing a 5-year survival of around 50%. This progress is largely attributed to cytoreductive surgery plus HIPEC, heated chemotherapy applied throughout the chest cavity.

Malignant pleural mesothelioma, the most common form, has seen minimal progress, with the most recent survival statistics showing an improvement of only about 0.5% each year. As clinical trials continue to study these emerging mesothelioma treatments, as well as test new diagnostic methods, mesothelioma doctors hope to see life expectancy and survival rates continue to improve.

While survival rates have improved slightly, the overall malignant mesothelioma mortality rate has also remained rather steady over the years. From 1999 to 2015, mortality data showed 45,009 recorded mesothelioma deaths. That equals to a mortality rate of about 8 people per million annually in the United States. Though it might not seem like a high number, researchers have found that there are at least 2,500 mesothelioma deaths each year – about the same as the number of new cases each year.

Mesothelioma Facts by Age and Gender

A number of risk factors can influence a mesothelioma diagnosis, including a person’s age and gender. In general, mesothelioma cancer is more common in the older population, though researchers have seen an increase in diagnoses among younger demographics because of genetics and asbestos exposure through home renovation projects. However, the latest mesothelioma information still suggests around 91% of all mesothelioma diagnoses occur in patients aged 55 or older.

In addition to age, research has found that mesothelioma is more common in men than women, with 75% of mesothelioma deaths attributed to men. Reports estimate that this large disparity is at least partially due to occupational exposure. Asbestos exposure is most common in the workplace, with men more prevalently holding jobs in asbestos industries, like construction, for many years.

States Most Impacted by Mesothelioma

Location can also have a large impact on mesothelioma diagnosis and mortality since certain occupations were more likely to rely on asbestos, and the fibrous mineral occurs naturally in various pockets across the country.

In total across the United States, between 1999 and 2017, data shows 47,660 people have died from mesothelioma. Larger states, like California, account for more of these deaths because of their higher population.

Note: Figures in this table have been rounded to the nearest decimal. The data is based on number of mesothelioma deaths in the particular state alongside the state’s population.

Research has also shown that mesothelioma deaths are 2 to 4 times higher in port cities and parts of the Rust Belt because of the higher prevalence of asbestos.

Asbestos Statistics

Since asbestos is still not fully banned in the United States, it’s important for the public to be well educated on the toxin and prevent dangerous exposure that can lead to mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases.

Asbestos Use in the U.S.

Asbestos has a long history in the United States, despite researchers discovering the health risks of 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 at various jobsites. Family members could also face secondhand exposure when workers unknowingly brought fibers home.

Though asbestos use today is not nearly as prevalent as it used to be, advocates are still hoping for a full ban on the toxin in the near future. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently investigating asbestos and nine other dangerous chemicals for potential changes in legislation, such as a ban.