There are between 2,000 and 3,000 reported new cases of mesothelioma each year in the U.S. The rate in the Western world is slowly decreasing, thanks to a greater understanding of the dangers of asbestos and better health and safety training. However, in other parts of the world, where there is no ban on the use of asbestos, the incidences of mesothelioma continue to grow.
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There are some professions where asbestos exposure was more likely, including construction workers, asbestos miners, plumbers, car mechanics, and military personnel. Anyone working in these areas has a significantly increased risk of developing mesothelioma. Because these tend to be male-dominated industries, men are almost five times more likely to develop the disease than women.
Although mesothelioma can strike any race, 95 percent of patients are Caucasian. Hispanics are more likely to develop the disease than Africans or Asians.
Because it can take between 20 and 50 years for symptoms of the disease to appear, it’s understandable that mesothelioma is diagnosed more in older people, with 69 years old being the average age of diagnosis. People over the age of 60 are 10 times more likely to develop mesothelioma than those younger than 40. Find out more about the statistics of mesothelioma here.
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Mesothelioma Research News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
