Key Facts About Malignant Mesothelioma
Understanding the facts about mesothelioma can help you grasp the impact of this rare asbestos-related disease. From diagnosis rates to treatment costs, mesothelioma statistics shed light on the challenges faced by those affected and emphasize the importance of early detection and specialized care.
- New diagnoses: About 3,000 new cases each year in the U.S., or roughly 1 in 100,000 people.
- Survival rates: For pleural mesothelioma, the most common diagnosis, the 1-year survival rate is 73% and the 5-year survival rate is 12%.
- Most affected group: Veterans make up over 30% of mesothelioma cases due to high rates of asbestos exposure in the military.
- Most affected gender: Men are more often affected because of extensive exposure to asbestos in the military and blue-collar industries.
- Most common treatment: Chemotherapy is used in about 25% of all mesothelioma cases.
- Latency period: On average, it takes 38.4 years after asbestos exposure for mesothelioma to develop.
- Treatment cost: It can cost well over $400,000 to treat mesothelioma.
Understanding these mesothelioma facts and figures can help you or a loved one make informed decisions after diagnosis.
For more personalized support, get our Free Mesothelioma Guide and access essential information about this cancer.
Mesothelioma Statistics in the U.S.
Despite strict regulations on asbestos, mesothelioma remains a significant health concern in the U.S., with death rates continuing to rise.
- Mesothelioma death statistics have increased. Over 54,000 deaths from mesothelioma were reported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) between 1999 and 2020.
- Mesothelioma is on the rise in women. Cases are increasing due to asbestos-contaminated talc used in baby powders and cosmetics.
- Asbestos still hasn’t been fully banned. Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma, and a complete ban is needed to prevent the disease.
These mesothelioma statistics show how devastating this illness is and remind anyone exposed to asbestos to keep a close watch on their health.
Mesothelioma Statistics Worldwide
Globally, new cases of mesothelioma have been declining, but men continue to have higher rates in various countries.
Countries with better living conditions, stronger economies, and higher asbestos use tend to have more cases of mesothelioma.
- Global incidence rate: About 0.30 mesothelioma cases per 100,000 people.
- Highest diagnosis rates: Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa have the highest rates.
- Lowest diagnosis rates: The Caribbean, South-Central Asia, and Africa have the lowest rates.
- Mesothelioma deaths: Europe leads in mortality rates, with Great Britain reporting about 2,400 mesothelioma deaths annually.
In Europe, mesothelioma accounted for 40% of occupational cancers between 2013 and 2021, according to a September 2024 report in Eurostat.
The global mesothelioma facts above highlight the need for continued awareness and prevention, especially in high-risk countries.
Statistics on Mesothelioma Risk Factors
Certain factors increase the likelihood of developing this cancer. Mesothelioma statistics show that occupational exposure, gender, age at exposure, race, and socioeconomic status play significant roles.
Mesothelioma Statistics by Job Type
Around 85% of mesothelioma cases are linked to workplace asbestos exposure. Regular health screenings are crucial for anyone who has worked with or around asbestos.
- Asbestos factory workers: A study of 17,800 asbestos workers by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) found that 7% died from mesothelioma.
- Auto mechanics: Mechanics were regularly exposed to asbestos in brake linings, which once contained 33-73% asbestos by weight.
- Construction workers: A study of over 24,000 mesothelioma cases between 1993 and 2018 found that 20.8% of patients had worked in construction.
- Firefighters: Firefighters have a higher rate of mesothelioma diagnosis and death, with one study showing a rate twice as high as the general population.
- Power plant workers: Over 24,000 people working at U.S. Department of Energy nuclear sites have an elevated risk of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.
- Shipyard workers: Nearly all shipbuilders before the early 1980s were at risk of asbestos exposure. The most threatened were the 4.5 million who worked in World War II shipyards, where asbestos dust was so thick it made it hard to see.
If you need help navigating your diagnosis, Mesothelioma Hope’s Patient Advocates can assist you. Contact our team now for personalized medical guidance and support.
Mesothelioma Statistics by Age Group
Mesothelioma is most common in people over the age of 55. This is largely due to the cancer’s 10-50-year latency period after asbestos exposure.
The average age for a malignant pleural mesothelioma diagnosis is 72, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).
- Ages 75+: 6.7 cases per 100,000 people
- Ages 65+: 4.4 cases per 100,000 people
- Ages 50-64: 0.7 cases per 100,000 people
- Ages below 50: 0.1 cases per 100,000 people
These age-related mesothelioma facts indicate older patients have a significantly higher risk of being diagnosed.
Mesothelioma Statistics by Gender
Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma due to occupational asbestos exposure.
However, new cases in women are rising due to secondary asbestos exposure. Over 12,000 women died from mesothelioma between 1999 and 2020, a 25% increase from previous data.
| Age Group | Incidence Rate in Men (per 100,000) | Incidence Rate in Women (per 100,000) |
|---|---|---|
| 75 | 12.4 | 2.7 |
| 65-74 | 3.2 | 1.5 |
| 50-64 | 0.8 | 0.6 |
| Below 50 | 0.1 | 0.2 |
Mesothelioma Statistics by Race
Pleural mesothelioma, the most common type, mostly affects white males and Hispanic or Latino populations.
A study published by the Journal of Clinical Oncology reviewed more than 13,000 mesothelioma cases from 2000 to 2019 to determine demographic and racial factors for this disease.
- Late diagnosis in minorities: Black and Asian/Pacific patients tend to receive a diagnosis later, possibly due to disparities in health care access.
- Racial and gender disparities: Data showed that 91.3% of patients were white, with white males accounting for 78.3% of cases. More women had mesothelioma in Asian/Pacific (25.5%) and Black (23.2%) populations.
These findings suggest that racial and ethnic disparities not only affect who is diagnosed with mesothelioma but also when they are diagnosed, potentially impacting treatment outcomes and survival rates.
Mesothelioma Statistics by Socioeconomic Factors
Mesothelioma statistics show socioeconomic factors like income, education, and marital status can influence diagnosis rates and survival outcomes.
- Education: Higher education levels are linked to lower asbestos exposure due to occupational choices.
- Income: Mesothelioma patients with household incomes above $65,000 make up 60.8% of cases.
- Marital status: Married patients generally have better survival rates, likely due to stronger emotional and social support.
Socioeconomic factors must be considered in the fight against mesothelioma to ensure all patients receive the support they need.
Mesothelioma Statistics on Disease Development
Mesothelioma can take 10-50 years to develop after asbestos exposure. Younger people are less affected due to this long latency period.
A 2023 report in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology found that the median time frame between asbestos exposure and the development of mesothelioma is 38.4 years.
Mesothelioma Diagnosis Statistics by Stage
There are four stages of pleural mesothelioma (which is the most common type of this cancer). The list below shows that most patients are diagnosed in stages 3 and 4. By this point, the cancer may have spread through the lymph nodes to other organs.
- Stage 1: 9% of diagnoses
- Stage 2: 14% of diagnoses
- Stages 3 and 4: 65% of diagnoses
- Undetermined stage: 12% of diagnoses
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, make sure to work with a cancer specialist as soon as possible. Use our Free Doctor Match service to connect with nearby specialists who can provide the best possible care.
Mesothelioma Survival Statistics
The average life expectancy for someone diagnosed with mesothelioma is 12-21 months, but this can vary depending on factors like where the cancer is located, the cell type, and the stage at diagnosis.
Survival by Tumor Location & Type
Where mesothelioma develops in the body plays a big role in life expectancy and survival rate.
- Pleural mesothelioma: Affects the lungs and chest lining, with a median life expectancy of 18 months. The 1-year survival rate is 73%.
- Peritoneal mesothelioma: Affects the abdominal lining, with a 1-year survival rate of 92% and a 5-year survival rate of 46%. The average life expectancy is 53 months.
- Pericardial mesothelioma: Affects the heart lining and has the poorest prognosis (overall health outlook), with a life expectancy of 2-6 months, a 1-year survival rate of 26%, and a 5-year survival rate of 9%.
- Testicular mesothelioma: Rare but has a relatively better outlook, with a life expectancy of 46.7 months, a 5-year survival rate of 49%, and a 10-year survival rate of 33%.
Mesothelioma doctors must consider the tumor’s location when determining the appropriate treatments.
Survival by Mesothelioma Stage
The stage when mesothelioma is diagnosed greatly affects life expectancy. Early diagnosis generally leads to better survival outcomes.
| Stage | Life Expectancy |
|---|---|
| Stage 1 | 21 months |
| Stage 2 | 19 months |
| Stage 3 | 16 months |
| Stage 4 | 12 months |
If you or a loved one is facing mesothelioma, call us at (866) 608-8933 for free resources to make your cancer journey more manageable.
Survival by Mesothelioma Cell Type
The type of mesothelioma cells also influences survival rates, as some cell types are more aggressive than others.
- Epithelioid mesothelioma: Has the best prognosis, with life expectancy ranging from 19 months to 6.5 years and a 5-year survival rate of 12%.
- Sarcomatoid mesothelioma: More aggressive, with a 5-year survival rate of just 5%.
- Biphasic mesothelioma: Combines both cell types, with a median survival of 11 months and a 3-year survival rate of 5%.
Understanding the role of cell type in mesothelioma survival helps oncologists tailor treatment plans more effectively to each patient.
Survival by Patient Demographics
Individual factors like age, gender, and overall health can also impact survival.
- Age: Younger people tend to have higher survival rates because their bodies respond better to aggressive treatments like surgery.
- Gender: Women are three times more likely to survive 5 years after diagnosis compared to men.
- Health: A patient’s overall health, including other medical conditions and smoking habits, can influence their prognosis.
Demographics play a significant role in shaping each patient’s treatment regimen and survival outcomes.
Mesothelioma Treatment Statistics
Getting mesothelioma treatment from a specialist is the most effective way to improve prognosis. Mesothelioma statistics show that chemotherapy is the most commonly used treatment.
Mesothelioma Chemotherapy Statistics
In early-stage patients, chemotherapy can target and kill cancer cells. In late-stage patients, it can slow tumor growth and provide pain relief.
- Use rate: Up to 80% of mesothelioma patients receive chemotherapy
- Median survival: 14 months
- Data by cell type: One study showed that patients who got chemotherapy for epithelioid tumors survived 26.7 months, while non-epithelioid patients lived 15 months
- Combined with other treatments: Combining chemotherapy with durvalumab (an immunotherapy drug) increases median survival up to 20.4 months, according to one study
Chemotherapy drugs play a vital role in treatment, and unlike surgery, they can be used across different stages and cell types.
Mesothelioma Surgery Statistics
Mesothelioma surgery can greatly improve the prognosis for eligible patients. It can remove tumors and stop them from spreading to other organs.
- Cytoreduction with HIPEC: Treats peritoneal mesothelioma by combining abdominal surgery with heated chemotherapy. According to one study, 41-47% of patients who underwent this surgery were still alive after 5 years. The average life expectancy ranges from 40 to 92 months.
- Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP): Used to treat pleural mesothelioma by removing cancer tumors, the lung closest to the cancer, the lung lining, and other affected organs. One study showed a 2-year survival rate of 32-41% and a 5-year survival rate of 14%.
- Pleurectomy with decortication (P/D): Treats pleural mesothelioma by removing visible tumors and the lung lining but leaves the lungs intact. According to one study, 59% of patients who got a P/D and chemotherapy were alive after 2 years, while 23% were still alive after 5 years.
Each procedure can have a significant impact on survival and quality of life for mesothelioma patients who qualify for surgery.
Request our Free Guide to learn more about the latest treatment options and how to manage the challenges of a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Mesothelioma Immunotherapy Statistics
Immunotherapy boosts the immune system to better identify and destroy cancer cells. There are multiple types of immunotherapies for mesothelioma.
- In one CAR-T Cell therapy study of 18 patients, 83% were alive 2 years after receiving their first infusion.
- A clinical trial for the immunotherapy drugs Opdivo® and Yervoy® showed an average survival of 18.1 months, compared to 14.1 months when only chemotherapy was used. The results of this trial led the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to approve immunotherapy as a mainstream pleural mesothelioma treatment.
A notable aspect of immunotherapy is that some patients who respond to treatment experience durable responses, meaning their cancer remains under control for an extended period.
Mesothelioma Radiation Therapy Statistics
Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to target and shrink mesothelioma tumors. It’s rarely used by itself to treat mesothelioma, but when combined with other therapies, it can help improve a patient’s prognosis and relieve symptoms.
- Use rate: About 12% of mesothelioma patients receive radiation therapy.
- Median survival: Varies depending on other treatments radiation is combined with. The 5-year survival rate can be as high as 24% in people who get EPP with radiation and chemotherapy.
- Symptom relief: About 60% of patients reported relief from pain after receiving radiation therapy.
- Life expectancy with surgery: One study showed that patients who had an aggressive surgery followed by radiation therapy lived up to 3 years or longer.
Radiation therapy can enhance survival and alleviate symptoms when integrated into a mesothelioma treatment plan.
Mesothelioma Multimodal Treatment Statistics
Combining two or more treatments for mesothelioma is called multimodal therapy. In recent years, multimodal treatment has shown promising results in extending life expectancy.
- Chemotherapy plus immunotherapy: A 2023 clinical trial found that 62% of pleural mesothelioma patients saw their cancer shrink or disappear after receiving the immunotherapy drug Keytruda® and chemotherapy.
- Immunotherapy plus surgery: A Baylor College of Medicine trial found that treating pleural mesothelioma with Imfinzi® and/or Imjudo® before surgery extended survival. Tumors shrank in 1 out of 3 patients.
- Surgery and chemotherapy: Patients who received cytoreduction with HIPEC and follow-up chemotherapy had a 5-year survival rate of 80% in a 2022 Journal of Clinical Haematology study.
- Radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery: According to a European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery report, patients who get an EPP, chemotherapy, and radiation had a 5-year survival rate of 24%.
These results show that multimodal therapy can offer hope for extended survival and better quality of life.
Use our Free Doctor Match service to connect with top mesothelioma specialists who can help guide you toward the best care for your unique situation.
Statistics on Mesothelioma Treatment Costs
The total cost of mesothelioma treatment varies widely based on the disease stage and the type of medical care a patient receives. However, the overall cost can easily exceed $400,000; in some cases, it may approach or surpass $1 million over the course of the disease.
- Surgical procedures, such as extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) or pleurectomy/decortication (P/D), are often necessary to remove tumors. A single surgery can range from $30,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the procedure and the hospital where it is performed.
- Chemotherapy is a common treatment for mesothelioma, with costs varying based on the type of drugs used and the number of cycles required. On average, chemotherapy ranges from $15,000 to $30,000 per cycle.
- Newer treatments like immunotherapy are becoming more common, but they often come at a higher cost. Immunotherapy costs $100,000 to $150,000 annually, depending on the drugs used.
- Radiation therapy is another common treatment, particularly for patients who are not candidates for surgery. The cost of a full course of radiation therapy can range from $10,000 to $20,000.
Patients may face other expenses like traveling for treatment, lost wages, insurance co-pays, and home health care.
Statistics on Mesothelioma Settlements
The average mesothelioma lawsuit settlement is $1.1 million to $1.4 million, according to Mealey’s® Litigation Report: Asbestos. According to the same report, mesothelioma verdicts award between $5.8 million and $11.4 million on average.
While a settlement can’t bring your health back, you can use the compensation to pay for any expenses you face and to safeguard your family’s future. This can be an incredible relief, as you can focus on fighting this cancer without worrying about how to pay for your care.
Mesothelioma Hope has partnered with a top law firm that can pursue settlements and verdicts on your behalf. Our legal partners will do all the work for you so you can focus on your recovery.
Contact us now to see how we can help you or a loved one pursue financial compensation.
From Statistics to Support: We’re Here for You
While some mesothelioma statistics can seem grim, remember: Each person’s case is unique, and it may be possible for you to live longer.
At Mesothelioma Hope, you’re not just a statistic. Our caring and dedicated team stands ready to support you and your loved ones during your battle with this cancer.
With our team’s help, you can get:
- Access to leading specialists and cancer centers
- Comprehensive resources tailored to your diagnosis
- Legal assistance to help you pursue compensation
- One-on-one support from our dedicated nurses
Give us a call now at (866) 608-8933 or request our Free Mesothelioma Guide to get started.
Mesothelioma Facts FAQs
What are the odds of getting mesothelioma?
The odds of developing mesothelioma are low, but if you were exposed to asbestos (the only known cause), you’re at a greater risk.
Around 3,000 new cases are reported annually in the United States. However, the exact number could be higher because many people die before being diagnosed.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), men are nearly 3 times more likely to be diagnosed with mesothelioma than women.
What percentage of cancer is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma accounts for about 0.3% of all cancer cases in the United States.
While it represents a small fraction of cancer diagnoses, mesothelioma is particularly serious due to its aggressive nature.
Is mesothelioma very rare?
Yes, mesothelioma is considered a rare cancer. Only about 3,000 new cases are diagnosed each year in the United States.
This makes mesothelioma much less common when compared to the 234,580 patients expected to be diagnosed with lung cancer in 2024.
What are the odds of getting mesothelioma?
The likelihood of developing mesothelioma depends on several factors, with the most significant being exposure to asbestos.
If you’ve been exposed to asbestos, especially over prolonged periods or at high levels, your risk is much higher. However, mesothelioma is still considered a rare cancer.
If you’ve never been exposed to asbestos, your risk of developing mesothelioma is extremely low.
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