Does it feel like you’re hearing more about malignant mesothelioma now than ever in the past? There are reasons for that. Part of it has to do with our highly connected society, which is constantly plugged in and spreading messages via social media, television, and other communications devices. Some is because of increased advertising on the part of advocates trying to help mesothelioma victims. And some is because mesothelioma is turning up in a new type of victim. Despite these many issues, a new study is indicating that the incidence of mesothelioma in the United States is actually going down.
Study shows drop in U.S. mesothelioma incidence
The mesothelioma study was published in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine by Dr. Hongbing Sun of the Health Studies Institute at New Jersey’s Rider University, and it found that the incidence of the rare and deadly form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos is exhibiting a long-awaited turnaround, and is now down to approximately2,500 cases diagnosed each year. Mesothelioma’s diagnosis high point occurred in the mid-1990s, roughly twenty years after the use of asbestos hit its peak in the mid-1970s. Since that time the mineral’s dangers have been effectively communicated to the public and countless lawsuits against companies whose products were contaminated with the material have led to those companies being forced into bankruptcy and paying out millions of dollars to those who succumbed to the challenging disease.
Asbestos in place continues to pose a threat.
Though the drop in mesothelioma diagnosis rates is a promising development, it by no means is an indication that the deadly illness has been eradicated. The study also indicated that those who live in the Northeast remain in jeopardy, largely as a result of the constant use of asbestos in homes, commercial buildings and federal buildings through the 1980s. That asbestos remains in place, and continues to pose a risk. Additionally, there is a significant amount of concern about reports of asbestos in consumer products, most notably talc powders.
Though the drop in incidence of mesothelioma is good news, for those who are diagnosed with the disease the challenges remain. If you need information about the resources available to those diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net can help. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608.
