-February 7, 2008
Although the numbers of mesothelioma cases reported yearly in the U.S. are rare, statistics show that incidences of the illness have increased in the past few decades.
The illness tends to affect men more than women since they are more prone to get jobs in places where they could potentially be exposed to asbestos.
Five-Year Survival Rate
Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos but symptoms can often go undetected for 15-50 years.
Once someone is diagnosed as having mesothelioma, they are typically given a five-year survival rate, depending upon the severity of the case and how soon the illness was caught.
The five-year survival rate refers to the percent of patients who live at least five years after being diagnosed.
However, as more research is being done on mesothelioma, more patients are living much longer than five years and better treatments are providing a promising outlook for the future and this type of cancer.
Disease Statistics
According to U.S. data, every year between 2, 500 and 4,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma in America.
Since so many were exposed in the past at work, while in school and through other daily activities, experts believe that the illness will continue to increase for at least another 10 years.
While many countries have banned particular forms of asbestos, about 5,000 products exist today that contain the harmful substance.
More than 10,000 people die worldwide from the disease.
(Source: Mesothelioma-Data)
Do you know someone living with mesothelioma? If so, please contact us to speak with someone about the resources available to you.