Mesothelioma is one of the most severe asbestos-related diseases, as this selection of cancers has high mortality rates and a challenging course of treatment. Each year, thousands of individuals are diagnosed with this devastating disease, often decades after the initial exposure.
As the fight for justice and compensation continues, understanding the latest mesothelioma statistics is crucial for both victims and their families.
In this article, we explore key figures surrounding mesothelioma incidence, survival rates, and legal claims, shedding light on the human toll of asbestos-related illnesses and the path to pursuing legal action.
If you or a loved one has been affected by mesothelioma, working with an experienced mesothelioma lawyer can make all the difference in securing the compensation you deserve.
What Is Mesothelioma?
Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that grows in the thin layer of tissue surrounding your body’s organs, called the mesothelium [1]. It is most commonly found in lung tissue, which is why it’s frequently referred to as lung cancer; however, it can occur in other parts of the body as well.
Types of Mesothelioma
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states four types of malignant mesothelioma, categorized based on where the cancer is found [2]. These include pleural, peritoneal, pericardial, and malignant mesothelioma of the testicles.
Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
Approximately 80% of all malignant mesothelioma cases are pleural mesothelioma [3], a type of lung cancer.
In 2015, the World Health Organization divided malignant pleural mesothelioma into several types depending on where it is found [4]. This includes:
- Epitheliod Mesothelioma—Found in the epitheliod cells of the lungs, this type of cancer accounts for approximately 60% to 80% of malignant mesothelioma cases [5]. Fortunately, it is also the most accessible type of mesothelioma to treat.
- Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma is the rarest form of pleural mesothelioma, but it is also the most aggressive and hardest to treat. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma accounts for approximately 10% of pleural mesothelioma cases [6].
- Biphasic Mesothelioma – These pleural mesothelioma cases are a mix of epitheliod mesothelioma and sarcomatoid mesothelioma, meaning they have infiltrated more than one tissue type. Biphasic mesothelioma occurs in about 15% of all pleural mesothelioma patients [7].
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
These mesothelioma cases occur in the peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal cavity, rather than in the lungs. This is a much rarer form of malignant mesothelioma; only about 300 to 500 peritoneal mesothelioma cases are diagnosed yearly [8].
Unlike pleural mesothelioma, which correlates to asbestos exposure, only 30% to 40% of peritoneal mesothelioma patients have prior occupational exposure to asbestos before they develop symptoms [9].
There are more women diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma than men, but it’s not clear why [10]. Further research into this rare cancer is ongoing in hopes of finding a cure.
Pericardial Mesothelioma
Pericardial mesothelioma involves cancer of the tissues surrounding the heart, called the pericardium. Like pleural mesothelioma cases, it is strongly correlated with asbestos exposure.
Mesothelioma is already one of the rarer cancer diagnoses, but this form of mesothelioma is sporadic. United States cancer statistics show that only 5% of newly diagnosed mesothelioma patients have infiltration of the tissues around the heart [11].
Because this form of mesothelioma is rarer than peritoneal and pleural mesothelioma, which are already quite rare, it is frequently misdiagnosed as a more typical heart issue, mainly because the symptoms are very nondescript.
Mesotheliomas of the Tunica Vaginalis Testis
Testicular mesothelioma is cancer of the testicular tissue. Like the other types of mesothelioma, it involves the tissue lining surrounding the organ. It is the rarest mesothelioma diagnosis, accounting for only 1% of all mesothelioma cases [12]. Since research began into mesothelioma in 1957, only 300 cases have been discovered worldwide [13].
Because testicular mesothelioma is exceedingly rare, researchers are unsure if this cancer incidence is directly related to asbestos exposure.
Who Is at Risk of Developing Mesothelioma?
The American Cancer Society notes that asbestos exposure is the leading risk factor for peritoneal and pleural mesothelioma [14]. Pleural mesothelioma occurs when people breathe in asbestos, while peritoneal mesothelioma typically results from swallowing the tiny fibers that comprise asbestos.
This means that anyone who worked with asbestos may potentially be at risk for developing this aggressive and difficult-to-treat cancer.
Additionally, accidental exposure through coming into contact with building materials, such as insulation or cracked tiles, can lead to mesothelioma. Anyone who works or lives in an older home may be at risk, though remediation efforts across the country have reduced the potential dangers.
Causes of Mesothelioma
The National Cancer Institute notes that exposure to asbestos is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma, particularly pleural mesothelioma [19]. Asbestos exposure is hazardous, especially as the incidence rate of mesothelioma does not go down once exposure has stopped.
A person exposed to this mineral will have a heightened risk of asbestos disease their entire life [20]. This starkly contrasts risk factors for other diseases, where the body begins to heal itself after exposure stops. Asbestos fibers are not purged from the body and continue to scar the lungs until they result in cancer.
Other mesothelioma cancer cases may be caused by minerals that are similar to asbestos, such as zeolite. Previous radiation treatment, such as a separate lung cancer treatment, can increase the risk of developing mesothelioma, as can exposure to a virus called SV40 [21].
Asbestos Related Industries
Asbestos is highly fireproof, making it a ubiquitous construction and manufacturing product before being banned by most developed countries. It has been used to create flame-retardant products as far back as the Roman Empire. Unlike other flame-retardant materials, it is lightweight, versatile, and easy to incorporate into everything from clothing to kitty litter [22].
Only in the 1970s, when cancer incidence data showed a strong correlation between asbestos exposure and rare diseases, did companies stop using the product. CDC data suggests that 27 million workers were exposed to asbestos between 1949 and 1979, when the use of the product significantly declined [23].
Asbestos exposure occurred in a large number of industries, including:
- Construction
- Mining
- Power plants
- Auto manufacturing
- Insulation manufacturing
- Shipbuilding
- Government contracting
- Steel manufacturing
- Tiling
- Pipefitting
- Plumbing [24]
Because building companies used these products in homes and office buildings, millions of others were also put at risk, mainly when remodeling or when buildings began to break down. Natural disasters or demolition work would expose large amounts of asbestos to the elements, allowing bystanders to breathe in these toxic particles.
Today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 1.3 million construction workers and building maintenance personnel are at risk of asbestos exposure due to working in old buildings [25]. Those working in asbestos remediation are also at high risk.
Risk Factors for Developing Mesothelioma
The primary risk factor for developing mesothelioma is asbestos exposure, especially in an occupational setting. Mesothelioma statistics suggest that up to 80% of all people diagnosed with the disease had primary exposure to asbestos [26]. Other minerals with a similar chemical composition can also lead to scarring of the lungs and subsequent mesothelioma.
Secondary exposure also accounts for some mesothelioma cases; this is when a person breathes in or swallows asbestos transferred to their clothing or body by someone else, typically a loved one who works around the product.
Around 12% of people diagnosed with these cancers have a genetic predisposition to mesothelioma, typically because of the BAP1 gene mutation [27]. Someone who has multiple cancer cases in their family, particularly ocular melanoma or mesothelioma, should get tested for this gene mutation so that they can be monitored carefully for any symptoms.
Mesothelioma Incidence Rates
A review of the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database found 13,018 mesothelioma patients diagnosed between 2000 and 2020 [31].
Thankfully, this same analysis identified a sharp drop-off in mesothelioma patients after 2013, likely due to the intensive remediation efforts across the United States since the 1990s [32]. Mesothelioma cases per 100,000 people dropped from 0.97 in 2000 to 0.55 in 2020, signifying a significant change thanks to better monitoring and prevention [33].
How Many Mesothelioma Cases Are Diagnosed Each Year?
In the United States, there are approximately 3,000 mesothelioma cancer diagnoses each year [34]. Worldwide, there are around 30,443 new cases each year [35]. Northern Europe has the highest incidence rates in the world, and developed nations are more likely to have high mesothelioma mortality rates due to more manufacturing [36].
Demographics of Mesothelioma Patients
National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) reveals significant demographic factors in mesothelioma incident rates. According to National Cancer Institute statistics, the average age of diagnosis is approximately 72.4 years, and 78.2% of all patients were men [37].
Mesothelioma statistics gathered by the American Cancer Society also demonstrate that men are more likely to be diagnosed with mesothelioma than women [38], though rates in women are rising as well.
A review of mesothelioma mortality rates in women from 1999 to 2020 demonstrated that cases are rising in this demographic. In 1999, there were 489 mesothelioma cancer deaths among women, which grew to 614 in 2020. For women, mesothelioma death rates were highest among healthcare and social care professionals, as well as among stay-at-home mothers [39].
Asbestos Bans and Mesothelioma Rates
Thankfully, mesothelioma deaths are on the decline in industrialized countries thanks to strict asbestos bans. A cancer statistics working group published research in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology, noting that rates have been dropping in every country studied except Bulgaria and Korea [40].
In 2020, mesothelioma accounted for just 0.17% of all cancer cases, and it’s hoped that mesothelioma incidence rates will continue to decline over time [41].
Diagnosis of Mesothelioma Statistics
Thanks to its nondescript symptoms and long incubation period, mesothelioma is notoriously difficult to diagnose. The average time to diagnosis is between 20 and 50 years after exposure, explaining the high age at first diagnosis [42]. Approximately 2 out of 3 people diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, the most common type of mesothelioma, are above the age of 65 [43].
About 80.7% of men diagnosed with mesothelioma were non-Hispanic and white [44]. 93.6% of women diagnosed were white [45]. However, this does not mean that other groups are not at risk; anyone who may have been exposed to cancer-causing substances could be in danger.
Mesothelioma Survival Rates
Survival statistics for mesothelioma underscore the severity of this highly rare and aggressive cancer. The five-year survival rate is only 5%, while median survival is only 7 to 9 months when left untreated [54].
To better understand how low this is, looking at five-year survival rates for other cancer stats is helpful. The five-year survival rate for bladder cancer is 77%, while the five-year survival rate for people diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer is around 61% [55].
The median survival rate is about 22 months with treatment [56]. However, it’s important to note that as lung cancer treatment options expand and further research is completed on this rare disease, survival rates are also rising.
There have been instances of people living with mesothelioma for ten years, depending on how quickly they were diagnosed and what kinds of treatments they received [57].
Those who were in good health before their diagnosis and who received early intervention may be able to live longer than the median survival rate, especially if they combine their treatments with additional measures like adequate nutrition, exercise, social support, and therapy [58].
Seeking Compensation for Mesothelioma Cases
Because mesothelioma may not appear for years or decades after exposure, it’s crucial that you work with a skilled mesothelioma lawyer who will be able to trace your illness back to the original exposure and identify who may be responsible for compensation.
Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation laws make businesses responsible for the illnesses of their workers, including later cancers, due to exposure during their duties. It must be proven that you were injured during your duties and that your injuries are directly related to your occupation.
With a mesothelioma workers’ comp case, it needs to be proven that you were exposed to cancer-causing asbestos at work, whether that is on a military base or in a manufacturing plant. We will search records and assess whether your work responsibilities required you to handle this dangerous mineral or if it was used in building materials.
A workers’ comp case requires that you file a claim within the statute of limitations, which varies by jurisdiction.
In general, this means that you must file within one to six years from the date of diagnosis, not necessarily from the date of exposure. This is especially important because mesothelioma may not be diagnosed years after exposure.
Civil Litigation for Mesothelioma Injuries
Our personal injury firm can assist you in filing a lawsuit against your former employer or another party who was responsible for your mesothelioma diagnosis. In this instance, we will negotiate with the company’s insurance or a specific trust fund that they have set up to compensate victims.
Approximately 95% of mesothelioma lawsuits settle out of court, and the average settlement ranges between $1 million and $1.4 million.
However, the amount you may receive depends on various factors, including the length of your exposure, the severity of your injuries, and whether there is clear enough evidence that the company was responsible for your illness.
Wrongful Death Lawsuit for Mesothelioma Deaths
If you have sadly lost a loved one to this disease, our firm can assist you in receiving compensation from the organization responsible for exposing them to carcinogenic materials. The average wrongful death settlement for mesothelioma is between $1 million and $1.4 million.
Settlement Versus Trial Verdict
As mentioned, most mesothelioma lawsuits settle out of court, with a typical settlement of up to $1.4 million. However, it is sometimes necessary to go to court if the company refuses to settle or if there is no trust fund to compensate victims, such as if the company went out of business.
A mesothelioma trial verdict tends to be higher. The average verdict is about $2.4 million. In a wrongful death case, the family may receive between $5 million and $11.4 million. A trial verdict can include punitive damages to punish a company for its negligence in exposing its workers to dangerous substances. A settlement will not include punitive damages.
Verdicts for veterans are generally higher and are paid faster than when pursuing compensation from a private company. Receiving a settlement from the government does not preclude veterans from receiving other government benefits, including VA benefits.
Settlements for Workplace Exposures from Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is a leading personal injury firm seeking compensation for those impacted by this devastating illness. We will assist you in receiving funds to help with your cancer journey, including workers’ compensation and civil litigation. Some of our previous settlements include the following.
A Navy mechanic who served in the armed forces was diagnosed with mesothelioma after 20 years of service.
A construction worker was repeatedly exposed during a large-scale factory expansion project, eventually being diagnosed with mesothelioma.
A school maintenance worker was forced to clean floors that contained asbestos.
A laborer was exposed to asbestos at several job sites, leading to lung cancer.
A teenage boy developed pleural mesothelioma.
Speak to a Mesothelioma Cancer Lawyer Today!
As mesothelioma statistics reveal, occupational asbestos exposure can lead to devastating consequences even decades later.
Companies that fail to protect their workers against this dangerous mineral should face the consequences of their negligence, and Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can assist. Through civil litigation, we seek to help mesothelioma patients and their families with the necessary closure and compensation.
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we can earn you a settlement. To schedule your free consultation regarding a mesothelioma settlement, contact us online or call us at (888) 424-5757.
