Mesothelioma Statistics

About 3,000 people receive a diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma every year in the U.S. This is a rare cancer that is also deadly for most people. Most people get diagnosed with mesothelioma after years of working with or around asbestos.

 If you or a loved one suffer from mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, keep in mind that you may qualify for substantial compensation. Fill out our form to receive our free Financial Compensation Packet. Our packet is loaded with information on experienced mesothelioma attorneys in your area, how to file a claim for asbestos trust funds, how to get paid in 90 days, and more. 

Asbestos and Mesothelioma Statistics

• The largest use of asbestos occurred between 1930 through the 1970s. Old homes, factories, and plants built during this time may possibly contain asbestos.
• United States veterans, specifically those who served in the Navy during World War II, have the largest occurrence of asbestos-related diseases.
• The U.S. Office of Compliance predicts that at least 10,000 people will die this year from asbestos-related diseases.
• Although asbestos is no longer used in the United States, it is still mined in several other countries. There is no safe amount of asbestos exposure.
• According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), 4% of all lung cancer diseases in the United States are directly from asbestos exposure.
• When asbestos-related cancer is diagnosed, it’s usually in an advanced stage because mesothelioma symptoms typically do not surface until 15 to 35 years after exposure.
• In 1964, mesothelioma was directly linked to asbestos exposure. It was determined that asbestos exposure is the exclusive cause of mesothelioma.
• Most mesothelioma patients are diagnosed at around 62 years of age, decades after being first exposed to asbestos.
• Although studies are still inconclusive, there are strong suggestions that asbestos can cause cancer in the esophagus, kidneys, and other body parts.
• Developing lung cancer triples for those who smoke and who were exposed long-term to asbestos.
• There is currently no cure for mesothelioma. Doctors strive to provide individualized medical plans and the latest mesothelioma treatment options for victims so that they can live longer and in the most healthy way possible.
• Ovarian cancer has been directly related to asbestos. Women who used talcum powder containing asbestos are at an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.
• According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, asbestos exposure causes laryngeal cancer.
• There are a total of four confirmed cancers that are caused by exposure to asbestos: asbestos-related lung cancer, ovarian cancer, mesothelioma, and laryngeal cancer.
• Although anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk of developing an asbestos-related disease, victims are typically older males who have worked in facilities in which they were exposed daily.
• Mesothelioma, the most common asbestos-related disease, consists of four stages: Stage I, II, III, and IV. The latter stages are more severe and prognosis at this point becomes the grimmest.
• Although the use of asbestos during employment is much less than decades ago, many current employees are still exposed. For example, workers may have the task of removing insulation that has asbestos in it while other workers may need to repair building parts that contain asbestos. Fortunately, there are both state and federal laws that now protect those who work around asbestos.
• Today, employees must not be exposed to more than 0.1 fibers of asbestos per cubic centimeter over a typical 8-hour shift. Employers must not rotate employees in order to stay within the limits of exposure.
• Employers are required to monitor workers daily who are at risk for even minute exposure to asbestos.
• Employers must also provide medical examinations every 30 days for employees who work around asbestos.
• Protective clothing and hygiene facilities must be available to any employee who works around asbestos.
• Smoking does not cause mesothelioma despite large rumors. However, studies suggest that smoking may increase the risk of certain types of lung cancers when in combination with asbestos exposure.
• Per the American Society of Clinical Oncology, radiation may cause mesothelioma. Although rare, some patients who received radiation for lymphoma ended up developing mesothelioma.
• Childhood mesothelioma is rare but occasionally happens. Children can be exposed while in school buildings built with asbestos, but it usually happens through second-hand contact via a parent or family member who worked around asbestos.
• Currently, a mesothelioma vaccine is being researched in the Netherlands. However, the vaccine works best for those who were exposed to asbestos but have yet to develop mesothelioma.
• Mesothelioma rates are predicted to continue to rise within the next decade.

Getting Help

If you’ve been injured by mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, keep in mind that there is a good chance that you’ll qualify for considerable compensation. Remember to fill out our form to get your free Financial Compensation Packet, with information on knowledgeable asbestos and mesothelioma lawyers in your area. If you have questions or need additional assistance, contact us at 800-793-4540.