Mesothelioma Information

As with any disease or health condition, mesothelioma researchers have, over time, collected and analyzed all kinds of information about the disease. This information may someday help researchers and doctors make advances towards a cure for this deadly cancer.

Some Common Questions About Mesothelioma

How Often is Mesothelioma Diagnosed?

New cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in between 2,500 and 3,000 Americans each year. These numbers, while significant, would indicate that mesothelioma is still a relatively rare disease, though incidence is expected to rise in the next decade according to projections.

What is the Typical Age at Diagnosis?

The first diagnosis of mesothelioma typically occurs in men and women between the ages of 50 and 70 years. Mesothelioma patients, certainly, have been diagnosed at ages younger than 50 and older than 70, but diagnoses for those age groups are considered statistical anomalies.

What is the typical Mesothelioma Latency Period?

Typically, there is a great deal of time between an individual's exposure to asbestos and the development of asbestos-related health complications. Mesothelioma is associated with a long-latency period (often 20-50 years) after exposure. Over a long period of time, lodged asbestos fibers slowly inflame the lung's external tissue, often serving as a pre-cursor to the development of malignant mesothelioma. Mesothelioma doctors diagnose the disease when it becomes apparent through a clinical examination, but this often happens long after the initial exposure to asbestos occurred.

Does Mesothelioma Occur in a Particular Sex More Often?

Mesothelioma is much more common in men than women, due mostly to occupational asbestos exposure being more common among men in industrial labor settings. That is not to say, however, that women cannot be diagnosed with mesothelioma. In fact, recent evidence suggests that mesothelioma incidence in women may rise in the coming years as a result of secondary exposures to asbestos. Many women diagnosed with mesothelioma discover that they are victims of second-hand asbestos exposure that occurred while washing clothes that had asbestos fibers on them.

Does Mesothelioma Occur in a Particular Race More Often?

Mesothelioma is much less common among African Americans than Caucasians, the reasons for which researchers are still investigating.

What are Typical Patient Survival Rates for Mesothelioma?

As mesothelioma is often diagnosed in its advanced stages, the prognosis from mesothelioma is often in the range of a year after diagnosis. If diagnosed early enough, however, survival may potentially extend over many years. Patient survival rates are often contingent on the treatments available to the particular patient.

Where Can I Find More Information About Mesothelioma?

We urge those seeking more mesothelioma information to complete the brief form on this page. The Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance will rush you a comprehensive mesothelioma and asbestos exposure information packet. In our packet you’ll find information about cutting-edge treatments, leading mesothelioma cancer center programs, and legal options you may have if you were exposed to asbestos. Act now and find out more today!

Can Mesothelioma Be Prevented?

Mesothelioma is an extremely aggressive and deadly form of cancer that is almost exclusively caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. Although mesothelioma is relatively rare, it is one of the most painful and difficult to treat; the best cure for mesothelioma is prevention. Ultimately, this means avoiding asbestos exposure. Although the chances of contracting mesothelioma are proportional to the amount and intensity of the exposure, the disease has been known to develop in people whose exposure has been minimal - but who have a genetic predisposition to cancer.

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has enacted a number of regulations to protect workers on the job at asbestos jobsites, where most asbestos exposure takes place. Under current laws, the maximum permissible level of exposure is 01. fibers per cubic centimeter for an eight-hour work day and one fiber per cubic centimeter during any thirty minute period. In addition, employers are obligated to monitor and regulate the work environment and provide employees with protective gear and safety training.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has also issued recommendations on how people can protect themselves against non-occupational asbestos exposure:

Regular inspection and monitoring of asbestos products or materials in and around the home; asbestos was part of many common building materials.
Having asbestos abatement carried out by trained, licensed professionals with proper safety equipment only.
Avoiding sweeping, vacuuming, sanding, scraping or otherwise disturbing any surfaces that may be made from asbestos or contain asbestos materials.
Avoiding the use of tobacco; studies have demonstrated a link beween smoking and mesothelioma showing that smokers face up to a 9000% greater chance of contracting asbestos cancer.
Getting regular checkups, particularly if there is a known history of asbestos exposure (i.e. having worked in an industrial occupation).

This last part is especially important, as many mesothelioma symptoms are indicative of other diseases as well.