Mesothelioma is a very rare cancer, but it’s an incredibly dangerous disease that takes such a long time to show signs in the body that by the time it’s diagnosed, the median survival rate is just 15 months (National Mesothelioma Virtual Bank).
Typical latency periods for mesothelioma span a huge range, 20 to 50 years, but there are many factors that impact that period of time, and there are several reasons why latency periods for this particular type of cancer tend to be so long.
While mesothelioma can be caused by a few substances, there’s a single one that has been pegged as the cause of the vast majority of cases — asbestos. This harmful substance that’s been banned in many countries is estimated to account for about 80% of all cases of mesothelioma.
That’s a key reason why people who worked for years in occupations where they were regularly exposed to the substance have higher incidence and death rates of mesothelioma than other people, particularly insulators, pipefitters and other construction workers (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
But it’s important to note that while asbestos is the primary culprit of the majority of mesothelioma cases, it’s not the only cause, and the prevalence of this type of cancer in people with no known exposure to asbestos is being further studied. Here’s what we know so far about some of the other accepted or suspected causes (Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine):
Less than 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year in the U.S., making it a very rare cancer. For comparison’s sake, about 280,000 women will get a breast cancer diagnosis this year (American Cancer Society).
Mesothelioma cases have fluctuated in recent years, but by sheer numbers, cases have increased modestly since 1999, rising by just under 5% through 2015. But the number of cases has gone down from a high of 2,873 in 2012 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
Mesothelioma cases by year
1999 | 2,479 |
2000 | 2,529 |
2001 | 2,504 |
2002 | 2,570 |
2003 | 2,621 |
2004 | 2,656 |
2005 | 2,701 |
2006 | 2,586 |
2007 | 2,603 |
2008 | 2,706 |
2009 | 2,752 |
2010 | 2,744 |
2011 | 2,829 |
2012 | 2,873 |
2013 | 2,686 |
2014 | 2,785 |
2015 | 2,597 |
Unfortunately, mesothelioma is far more deadly than many other types of cancer, partially because the latency period for this cancer is so long. The average five-year survival rate for mesothelioma is just 10%, compared to 98% for prostate and thyroid cancer, 92% for melanoma, 90% for breast cancer and 64% for colorectal cancer (Cancer Statistics Center).
Studies have suggested that several factors play a role in the delay between exposure and diagnosis of mesothelioma, and while some are in an individual’s control, most of them are largely unavoidable once exposure has occurred.
Here’s a look at what the best available medical literature tells us about the major factors influencing mesothelioma latency:
For individuals who were exposed to asbestos and later became sick with mesothelioma, or other conditions, financial compensation may be available without the need to file a lawsuit. The Asbestos Trust Funds have about $30 billion available in funds for those impacted by asbestos. Complete the form or call us toll-free (800) 352-0871 to find out more.
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