Mesothelioma Cancer Life Expectancy Guide

The average life expectancy for mesothelioma is between 12 and 21 months. Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer, and every case is different. How long a patient lives after a diagnosis depends on health, age, treatment choices, and more.

If you or a loved one suffer from mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may qualify for substantial compensation. Currently, there is over $30 billion in asbestos trust funds, awaiting those who’ve been diagnosed with an asbestos illness. We invite you to fill out our form today for a free Financial Compensation Packet, filled with information about qualified mesothelioma lawyers in your area, how to get paid in 90 days, how to file an asbestos trust fund claim, and much more. 

Mesothelioma Statistics

According to a 2009 report by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 18,068 patients diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma died between 1999 and 2005.

Though year-to-year figures may vary, the annual death rate of mesothelioma patients is an average of 14 per million. This is a small percentage of the entire population. Yet, its particular lethality and relative rarity make mesothelioma a disease with extremely low survival rates.

Although survival rates in mesothelioma patients depend on a wide range of factors, a patient can expect a post-diagnosis survival time of between 12 and 21 months.

Some patients live for less time, and others live years after a diagnosis. Each patient should talk to their physician about their own personal health and expectations.

The Role of Age and Gender in Life Expectancy

Life expectancy varies depending on several factors. Two important factors over which patients have no control are age and gender. Male patients between 25 and 34 years of age and in good physical condition with no preexisting conditions have a good chance of surviving longer than 18 months.

Patients such as these benefit from early detection and surgical treatment of the disease. However, keep in mind that this age group is one of the least affected by asbestos-related cancer.

The average survival rate for older patients is bleaker. According to the American Cancer Society (ACC), even though 5% to 10% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma can live for five years or more after the initial diagnosis, these individuals are usually young with cancers that can be surgically treated.

Since the average mesothelioma patient tends to be males aged 60-70 who were heavily exposed to asbestos during active work years, the cancer is already well-developed. These patients aren’t typically eligible for surgery.

Older patients also may have debilitating health issues, such as cardiopulmonary diseases and hypertension, which reduce life expectancy.

Patients in these two age brackets (65-74 and 75-84) have the highest death totals. From 1999 through 2005, 12,150 out of the 18,068 recorded mesothelioma deaths occurred in patients aged 65 to 84.

Facts About Mesothelioma Life Expectancy

Generally speaking, it is typically difficult, if not impossible, to predict accurate life expectancy after a patient is diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Studies suggest that a patient’s post-diagnosis life expectancy depends on a combination of several  factors:

• Latency: Mesothelioma has an extremely long latency period, typically up to 20 to 50 years after exposure. This makes it difficult to get an early detection, therefore, shortening the survival rate. The sooner the disease is detected, the higher your life expectancy and survival rate.

• The Stage of the Disease After Diagnosis: Victims in Stage I or II of the disease have a much better survival rate than those who are diagnosed in later stages.

• Tumor Removal: Surgery is usually not an option as most cases of mesothelioma are discovered after the disease has advanced to its later stages. However, if the disease is caught early and the tumor can be surgically removed, the survival rate is usually prolonged.

• Age: As aforementioned, age plays a huge role. The younger the patient, the better chance they have in surviving longer and increasing life expectancy. Although rare, older patients in optimal physical health may have just as good of a chance as younger patients.

• Location of the Disease: Mesothelioma affects different regions of the body. The majority of mesothelioma cases affect the pleural area of the body, but there are instances in which the abdominal cavity and other body areas will be impacted by the disease. Since pleural mesothelioma is the easiest to treat, victims with this form of mesothelioma have a higher life expectancy. However, victims with epithelial mesothelioma have the highest survival rates of all forms of the disease.

Additional Information for Patients

Although the grim facts of survival rates of mesothelioma can be discouraging, these statistics do not reflect everyone’s situation.

For instance, an Australian man named Paul Kraus has been living with mesothelioma since first receiving a diagnosis in 1997. This is just one of the several instances in which victims have gone on to defy the odds and live much longer than the average life expectancy of a mesothelioma victim.

Remember that current statistics are based on patients treated many years ago. As science progresses, the life expectancy and survival rate may improve for more victims as mesothelioma treatment options advance.

Getting Legal Help

If you’ve been injured by asbestos, keep in mind that there is a good chance that you’ll qualify for considerable compensation. Don’t forget to fill out our form to get our free Financial Compensation Packet, filled with information on experienced asbestos and mesothelioma attorneys in your area. If you have questions or need additional assistance, contact us at 800-793-4540.