Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that is usually contracted as a result of exposure to asbestos. It is estimated that it could take several decades before cases of mesothelioma begin to decline in countries where asbestos is still used. September 26 is Mesothelioma Awareness Day, a day dedicated to disseminating information about the rarity of the disease, as well as its cause, asbestos.The heavy use of brown asbestos is part of the reason why the UK and Australia have the highest rates of mesothelioma in the world. Most cases of mesothelioma occur in the pleura, the tissue that lines the lungs, while about 20% of cases appear in the peritoneum, which is the lining of the abdomen.
Countries with the most diagnoses of mesothelioma include the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Malta, Belgium, Australia and New Zealand.While most of Europe has completely banned asbestos, new cases emerge every year. Britain remains the epicenter of mesothelioma incidence in Europe, with the country accounting for the highest age-adjusted mortality rate in the world, with 18.36 per million people. Australia ranks second highest in the world, with an incidence rate of 16.7 per million people. Although both nations have declared the import or use of asbestos illegal, the incidence of mesothelioma continues to increase.Asia represents the world's most rampant use of asbestos today, and China leads the way with 570,000 tons used per year.
Although Asian countries such as China, Indonesia, India and Vietnam use the material, statistics related to mesothelioma and asbestos-related diseases are not readily available. However, in some preliminary studies, the incidence rate of malignant mesothelioma in China is 1.5 per million, which is substantially low for use for industrial purposes.An interesting observation is that any change in the incidence rate (IR) is mainly due to a decrease in the occurrence of mesothelioma in men, while the IR of mesothelioma in women remains more stable. The incidence rate of mesothelioma peaked in the late 1980s and early 1990s, but people exposed to asbestos decades ago remain at risk. In addition, since asbestos fibers take several years before a significant impact is noticed, countries such as China are experiencing a level of mesothelioma crisis in recent years.There are different systems used to determine the stage of pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma.
Countries with mesothelioma registries can investigate and respond to current scientific and legislative needs associated with mesothelioma incidence and mortality. The average life expectancy for a person diagnosed with mesothelioma is 18-31 months, but each diagnosis is different since it depends on how much asbestos they were exposed to and for how long.Some people with peritoneal mesothelioma that has not spread may have an operation called a peritonectomy which involves removing parts of their peritoneum where the mesothelioma is growing. If you think you've been exposed to asbestos in the past it's important to tell your doctor as many doctors don't automatically suspect mesothelioma.
