The Decline in Mesothelioma Rates Continues

The US Cancer Statistics reflect data reported by the SEER registries and the National Program of Cancer Registries.  Combined, these two programs provide 100% coverage of cancer incidence in the US since 2001.  The statistics show that the actual yearly counts of pleural mesothelioma cases in men have remained relatively flat.

Counts of Mesothelioma Incidence, USCS 2001-2016

But, as the population has increased, the age-adjusted rate in men has dropped by almost one-third since 2001.

Age-adjusted rates of mesothelioma incidence, USCS 2001-2016

Meanwhile, in women, both counts and age-adjusted rates of pleural mesothelioma have remained relatively flat.  The same is true for peritoneal mesothelioma in both men and women.  This supports the view that peritoneal mesotheliomas and pleural mesotheliomas in women are not associated with asbestos exposure.

– Ray Harris