According to research published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology, the global incidence of malignant mesothelioma is on the decline. Using several databases, researchers looked at 185 countries to determine the overall trends, as well as differences in incidence based on sex, asbestos exposure, and countries’ gross domestic product and human development indexes. In analyzing their results, the researchers concluded that the decrease in cases was likely due to more developed countries having banned the use of asbestos.
Multiple Databases Revealed that Mesothelioma Numbers are Falling
In preparing their study, the researchers collected data from three different databases: the Global Cancer Observatory database, the Global Burden of Disease database, and the Cancer Incidence in Five Continents Plus database. Each provided different essential information, with the first showing that 30,870 patients had been diagnosed with the rare asbestos-related disease across 185 countries in the year 2020. The countries with the highest rates were those in Northern Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, while those with the lowest rates were found in the Caribbean, Eastern Africa, Western Africa, and Middle Africa.
The Global Burden of Disease database identified a higher incidence of mesothelioma in countries that have a higher Human Development Index, higher gross domestic product per capita, and higher asbestos exposure. The Cancer Incidence in Five Continents Plus database revealed the annual percentage change in mesothelioma incidence from 2003 to 2012 in 108 countries.
Trends Identified in Mesothelioma Study
In addition to tracking differences and trends between countries, the researchers also found that men were significantly more likely to be diagnosed with mesothelioma than women, with male incidence revealed to be 0.46 per 100,000 persons and women found to be diagnosed at a rate of 0.17 cases per 100,000 persons.
Importantly, the study showed a significant decrease in mesothelioma incidence in countries with higher Human Development Indexes and increases in countries with lower Human Development Indexes. They concluded, “Overall, there has been a substantial decrease in the trends of mesothelioma, especially among highly developed countries, probably attributable to the total ban on the use of asbestos in some countries.”
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, contact the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net today to learn how we can help. We can be reached at 1-800-692-8608.
