Asbestos, the primary cause of mesothelioma, was known to cause asbestos cancer in the early 1930's. Industries continued to use asbestos, primarily in manufacturing arenas, for decades to follow. Prolonged exposure to asbestos can cause lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma.
Each year in the United States, there are an estimated 2000 to 4000 new cases of mesothelioma. Information and supporting statistics show that the majority of cases are men who primarily worked in high risk professions. Although the rate is lower, mesothelioma in women has maintained a steady number. European countries show an annual increase in cases of mesothelioma.
The facts are mesothelioma is a serious disease that has a long latency period and is often misdiagnosed. Mesothelioma symptoms are common to other diseases such as the flu, making it difficult to detect. Mesothelioma is rare in people under the age of 50 and incidences increase with age. Typically it is diagnosed in people between the ages of 55 and 70 years of age. Approximately 75% of the patients are over the age of 65.
Because of the extended latency period averaging 30 years, mesothelioma is typically in the advanced stages when diagnosed. The average rate of survival is approximately one year from diagnosis. However, the 5-year relative survival rate is slowly showing improvement from the current 10% of cases.
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