According to research presented at a recent World Conference on Lung Cancer, there are more than 200,000 mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancer deaths around the world each year, despite international actions to ban asbestos. The analysis revealed that the absolute number of global asbestos-related deaths continues increasing, and highlighted persistent challenges in reducing occupational cancer deaths attributed to the toxic mineral.
Mesothelioma Burden is Highest in Countries with Bans
The mesothelioma and lung cancer statistics are alarming, showing that of 189,000 reported asbestos-linked fatalities, men account for 183,000. The comprehensive analysis used data from the Global Burden of Disease Study, International Ban Asbestos Secretariat records, and other sources. Researchers are particularly perplexed by one particular aspect of their findings: Mesothelioma mortality continues to be highest in countries that have implemented nationwide asbestos bans.
While it isn’t surprising that higher socio-demographic countries are more likely to implement asbestos bans, the fact that these countries also currently have the highest mortality burdens from asbestos-related lung cancer and mesothelioma is confounding. The global age-standardized mortality rate stands at 4 per 100,000 people, with men experiencing rates of 8 compared to women’s rate of 1 per 100,000. This tracks with historical occupational exposure patterns, with men experiencing asbestos exposure in industries like construction, shipbuilding, manufacturing, and mining.
Decades-long Delay Between Asbestos Bans and Drop in Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer Rates
The researchers concluded that preventing mesothelioma through asbestos bans requires patience: Their analysis revealed that the positive impact of national asbestos bans lags by a decade or more after implementation. More importantly, the beneficial effects take considerable time to appear due to the disease’s long latency period.
Asbestos exposure is linked to the development of all major histological subtypes of lung cancer as well as mesothelioma, the rare and aggressive tumor that impacts the mesothelial lining of the pleural and peritoneal cavities. The researchers estimated that between four and twelve percent of all lung cancers are associated with occupational exposure to asbestos fibers, and say that based on their modeling, the global burden of deaths caused by asbestos exposure will continue despite the protective measures that are currently in place.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related lung cancer or mesothelioma, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net can help. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608 to learn more.
