Malignant mesothelioma is a rare and dangerous form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Because of its direct link to the toxic material, which has long been used in construction, insulation, and high-heat settings, it is generally considered an occupational disease and has traditionally been most prevalent in men. But a recent report published by CDC researchers reveals that there has been an alarming increase in the number of deaths among women.
Mesothelioma Deaths Among Women Rose Significantly
According to the report published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, mesothelioma deaths in women rose significantly from 1999 to 2020, increasing from 489 to 614. The report, published by Jacek Mazurek, MD and colleagues, belies hopes that the diminished use of asbestos over the past two decades would lead to lowered incidence of the disease.
An occupational analysis of the women who died of mesothelioma during the 20-year period shows that 23% self-identified as homemakers. Healthcare and social assistance employees were the second largest industrial group, accounting for 16% of victims, while 6% were elementary and middle school teachers and 5% were registered nurses.
Over 12,000 Women Died of Mesothelioma Between 1999 and 2020
According to death certificate data, 12,227 women aged 25 and up died of malignant mesothelioma between 1999 and 2020. Almost all victims were 55 or over and white. Seven states — Louisiana, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wisconsin — made up the vast majority of those deaths.
With the “overall attributal risk” among women accounting for only 23%, the group hypothesized that the women afflicted with mesothelioma were exposed as a result of “potential environmental exposure to naturally occurring asbestos, indoors when older building materials containing asbestos are present, or from take-home exposures by indirect contact via family members who were exposed to asbestos fibers at workplaces outside of the home.”
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net can help. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608.
