Mesothelioma is an uncommon type of cancer that is most often fatal. This form of cancer occurs in the lining of the chest or abdomen.
The vast majority of mesothelioma cases are the result of asbestos exposure in the workplace, but some other cases have been linked to environmental exposures.
You may wonder how common mesothelioma is compared to other forms of cancer. Read on to find out.
Mesothelioma is Rare
Every year, roughly 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in the United States. The incidence rate of mesothelioma peaked in the U.S. in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Incidence rates are down 9% from 2010 to 2014 in comparison to the previous five years.
From 2003 to 2008, there were a total of 19,011 mesothelioma cases diagnosed in the United States. This comes out to about 3,200 cases per year, indicating that the condition is uncommon compared to other types of cancer.
Over the years, mesothelioma has maintained a steady occurrence rate of about one new case per 100,000 people.
Other Mesothelioma Facts
The following list includes some helpful facts about mesothelioma you may want to know:
- More men are diagnosed with mesothelioma than women.
- Women make up about a quarter of all cases.
- The incidence of mesothelioma has remained relatively steady throughout the past few decades.
- Worldwide, several studies indicate that asbestos-related cancers, such as mesothelioma, in industrialized countries has not peaked yet, and will continue to rise throughout the 2020s and 2030s. (However, it appears that the mesothelioma peak has already happened in the U.S.)
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma as a result of workplace exposure, you may be entitled to compensation. We want to see that justice is served on your behalf.
Contact our experienced team here at Shrader & Associates L.L.P. to learn more about how we can help with your case. Give us a call at (713) 787-3733 or fill out the online contact form to get in touch with a skilled attorney today.