According to a report issued by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), the rate of mesothelioma diagnoses in the country is holding steady, while physicians have made slow improvements in extending lives.
Mesothelioma Registry Provides Valuable Insights
Details from the Mesothelioma in Australia 2024 – InFocus Report show the continuing challenge posed by the rare, asbestos-related disease. The 2024 registry reported 684 new cases of mesothelioma, corresponding to an age-standardized incidence rate of 1.9 per 100,000. This is the same rate as reflected by the number of Australians who died of the disease in 2023. Compared to 2017’s 2.5 per 100,000, the country is experiencing a steady decline.
In addition to the total number of mesothelioma cases reported in the country, the document indicated regional differences in where they’re most likely to occur. New South Wales saw more mesothelioma diagnoses between 2021 and 2024 than any other region, followed by Queensland, Victoria, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, the ACT, and the Northern Territory. More than 90% of those diagnosed identified potential or probable contact with asbestos, the mineral that has been directly linked to the disease.
Mesothelioma Survival Shows Steady Improvement
Though mesothelioma continues to be a fatal disease, physicians in Australia have been able to make slow and steady improvements in patient survival outcomes, with one-year survival doubling from the 28.6% that was the case from 1987-1991 to 48.4% from 2017 to 2021. The improvement is being attributed to innovative new therapies, as well as advances in supportive care.
The report also notes the significant financial burden that mesothelioma imposes, estimating that the fatal cancer, which is diagnosed in roughly two Australians every day, accounts for an estimated $49.9 million in healthcare expenses compared to $18.9 billion for all cancers. The country’s peak use of asbestos occurred from 1970 to 1979, and authorities worry that, though it is no longer being mined, used, or imported, legacy asbestos remains a serious concern.
Mesothelioma is a global problem. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with the fatal illness, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net can help. Call us today at 1-800-692-8608 to learn more.