Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos. Here is the ultimate guide to mesothelioma facts statistics, treatment and diagnosis.
1.8 million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer in 2020. 3000 of these cases will be mesothelioma, a rare cancer caused by exposure to asbestos.
It’s important to find accurate mesothelioma facts and statistics. The disease and its diagnosis rates constantly change. You need accurate information to avoid catching and/or spreading it.
Read our guide to learn all about mesothelioma.
What Is Mesothelioma?
Patients contract mesothelioma from exposure to asbestos. This harmful insulation material used to be common before doctors discovered the negative impact it had on workers’ health.
There are four types of mesothelioma infections. Knowing the difference between them is the best way to protect yourself.
Pleural mesothelioma affects the lining of the lungs. Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the lining of the stomach.
Pericardial mesothelioma affects the lining of the heart. Testicular mesothelioma affects the lining of the testicles.
Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose because it can go unnoticed in the body for decades. If you’re wondering what are the symptoms of mesothelioma, check here for more on how each type affects the body.
Mesothelioma Facts and Statistics
Arm yourself with accurate mesothelioma statistics and facts to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Mesothelioma is a rare disease, with approximately 1 in 100,000 Americans getting a diagnosis. This is partially because of its ability to hide in the body without causing symptoms.
75% of mesothelioma cases are pleural mesothelioma, making it the most common type.
How long a person lives after being diagnosed with mesothelioma depends on several factors.
The type of mesothelioma affects how likely a person is to recover. Peritoneal mesothelioma has one of the best survival rates as the tumors grow slowly.
The survival rate is 10% when mesothelioma spreads to nearby parts of the body. It decreases to 8% if the cancer spreads further.
10% of people diagnosed with mesothelioma survive for 5 years. This is mainly due to age-related complications when the disease isn’t discovered until late in life. The survival rate jumps to 20% with early detection and surgery.
Mesothelioma rates in the US are decreasing slightly due to stricter regulations on the use of asbestos. Despite this, 20 million people are still at risk of exposure. Mesothelioma rates are increasing slightly in other countries without the proper regulations.
80% of people diagnosed with mesothelioma are men, and the average age is 72, but everyone is susceptible to the disease. Workers exposed to asbestos in their workplaces can spread it to their families by bringing it home on their clothes.
What To Do If You Have Mesothelioma
Having up-to-date, accurate mesothelioma facts and statistics is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your loved ones from this debilitating disease.
Mesothelioma rates are decreasing in the US thanks to stricter regulations and better working conditions, but anyone can still be exposed. Research whether a place you’re visiting or working at still uses asbestos and learn the symptoms to watch out for.
There is a wealth of resources to help you understand and get treatment help for mesothelioma. Use them to answer any more questions you have.
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