How Many Cases of Mesothelioma Are Diagnosed Each Year?

🩺Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. It can affect the lining of the lungs, heart, and abdomen. In the United States, mesothelioma affects approximately 3,000 people each year.

Who is at Risk of Developing Mesothelioma?

📈Mesothelioma is most often diagnosed in people who have been exposed to asbestos. This includes people who have worked in industries such as construction, shipbuilding, and automotive manufacturing, as well as those who have done home renovations or lived in buildings with asbestos-containing materials.

What are the Symptoms of Mesothelioma?

🤒The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary depending on the location of the cancer. Common symptoms include:

Type of Mesothelioma	Symptoms
Pleural (lung) mesothelioma	Shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing, fatigue, fever, weight loss
Peritoneal (abdominal) mesothelioma	Abdominal pain, swelling, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, weight loss
Pericardial (heart) mesothelioma	Chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, fatigue

How is Mesothelioma Diagnosed?

🔍Mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. Diagnosis usually involves a combination of imaging tests, biopsies, and blood tests.

💉There is currently no cure for mesothelioma, but treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

How Many Cases of Mesothelioma Are Diagnosed Each Year?

📊According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in the United States each year. This makes mesothelioma a relatively rare cancer, accounting for only 0.3% of all cancer diagnoses in the country.

How Does the Incidence of Mesothelioma Vary by Age and Gender?

📈Mesothelioma is more common in older adults, with the majority of cases occurring in people over the age of 65. Men are also more likely to develop mesothelioma than women, possibly due to higher rates of occupational exposure to asbestos.

Which States Have the Highest Rates of Mesothelioma?

🗺️According to the Environmental Working Group, states with the highest rates of mesothelioma include:

State	Mesothelioma Cases per Million People
Maine	15.2
Washington	11.5
New Jersey	10.6
West Virginia	9.4
Pennsylvania	9.0

Why is Mesothelioma Considered a “Man-Made” Disease?

👨‍🏭Mesothelioma is considered a “man-made” disease because it almost always occurs as a result of exposure to asbestos, a material that was widely used in construction and manufacturing for much of the 20th century. Asbestos has been linked to mesothelioma since the 1960s, but it continued to be used in many industries until the 1980s.

Can Mesothelioma be Prevented?

🚫Preventing mesothelioma involves limiting exposure to asbestos. This can be done by following proper safety procedures when handling asbestos-containing materials, avoiding DIY home renovations that may disturb asbestos, and seeking professional help if you suspect your home or workplace may contain asbestos.

Conclusion

🌟While mesothelioma is a relatively rare cancer, it is also a deadly one. Knowing the risk factors and symptoms of mesothelioma can help people get diagnosed and treated earlier, potentially improving their chances of survival. If you or someone you know has been exposed to asbestos and is experiencing symptoms, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider as soon as possible.

Take Action Today

🔍If you are concerned about your risk of mesothelioma or have been diagnosed with the disease, there are resources available to help you. Contact the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation or the American Cancer Society for more information on support groups, treatment options, and research initiatives.

Disclaimer

📝The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.