How Common is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer that forms in the lining of several organs—typically the lungs, heart, and abdomen. Its only confirmed cause is asbestos exposure, and the disease has a long latency period, usually taking 10-60 years after asbestos exposure to manifest. In some cases the latency can be even longer than 60 years.
Vanessa Firnhaber Oslund, Partner, Bergman Oslund Udo Little Last Updated: October 9, 2024
Mesothelioma is rare in the United States, with about 3,000 new cases diagnosed each year—making up less than 0.2 percent of all U.S. cancer diagnoses. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos, you may be entitled to compensation through a lawsuit.
Washington has some of the highest rates of mesothelioma in the United States. For example, data has shown that Kitsap County, Washington – home to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard – has one of the highest rates of mesothelioma in America.
Chandler Udo – Partner, Bergman Oslund Udo Little, PLLC.
- Mesothelioma is an extremely rare form of cancer with only one confirmed cause— asbestos exposure.
- Mesothelioma is more common in men and older people due to the increased risks of occupational exposure and the disease’s long latency period. However, mesothelioma also occurs in women both through occupational and para-occupational exposure.
- The average five-year relative survival rate for pleural mesothelioma is 12 percent, though survival rates vary depending on the stage and location of the cancer.
How Rare is a Mesothelioma Diagnosis?
Mesothelioma diagnoses are also significantly more common in older people, and the average age of people diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma is 72.
The use of asbestos peaked in U.S. industry in the mid-20th century during World War II. From the 1920s through the 1980s, asbestos was used in thousands of industrial, commercial, and residential products until the EPA began regulating its use.
According to the American Cancer Society, the U.S. mesothelioma rate increased from the 1970s to the 1990s but has remained relatively unchanged since then, even decreasing slightly at times. The changes have largely been among men since they are likely related to reduced workplace exposure from decreased industrial asbestos use. The rate of mesothelioma is lower in women and has remained steady.
How Common is Mesothelioma in the Pacific Northwest?
The state of Washington ranks ninth in the nation for asbestos-related deaths. Washington’s prominence in shipbuilding, oil refining, paper milling, and aluminum production exposed many of the state’s workers to asbestos-containing products, leading to mesothelioma diagnoses decades down the line.
Oregon has a much lower incidence of mesothelioma diagnoses. However, Oregon juries have ruled in favor of asbestos plaintiffs in several high-profile mesothelioma lawsuits, resulting in substantial multimillion-dollar verdicts for families facing a mesothelioma diagnosis. In 2022, Bergman Oslund Udo Little secured a $30 million jury verdict in Portland for the wrongful death of a laborer and sandblaster diagnosed with mesothelioma. He had worked at an Ameron International Corporation factory for four months in 1974. The jury found that Ameron knew the risks of exposure but failed to notify workers of high levels of asbestos at the factory, putting profits over people.
What are the Chances of Getting Mesothelioma From Asbestos Exposure?
According to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, there is no safe level of asbestos exposure. Exposures as short as a few days have been documented to cause mesothelioma, and every instance of occupational asbestos exposure contributes to the risk of developing an asbestos-related disease.
Most people who experience some level of asbestos exposure never develop mesothelioma. However, 8 to 13 percent of those with heavy or prolonged exposure develop the cancer. Workers with years of occupational asbestos exposure are at the most risk.
What Is the Mortality Rate for a Mesothelioma Diagnosis?
According to the American Cancer Society, the average five-year relative survival rate for malignant pleural mesothelioma for people diagnosed between 2012 and 2018 was 12 percent. The earlier the stage of the disease, the higher the chance of survival. The five-year relative survival rate was 24 percent for localized, early-stage pleural mesothelioma. Additionally, people diagnosed now may have a better prognosis as treatments continue to improve over time.
According to a 2012 study in The Ochsner Journal, treatment for early-stage mesothelioma, typically involving surgery and radiation, is potentially curative. However, many patients are not diagnosed until the disease is more advanced or are too ill to undergo surgery. Relapse is also common with mesothelioma.
Our Mesothelioma Attorneys Can Help - Call Today
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos, you may be entitled to compensation for your suffering. The mesothelioma attorneys at Bergman Oslund Udo Little understand the toll a difficult medical diagnosis can take on a family and will help guide our clients through the legal process with patience and compassion.
Since 1995, we have been fighting to protect the interests of families facing the challenges of mesothelioma. With offices in Seattle and Portland, we are tenacious trial advocates with a track record of negotiating favorable settlements and achieving multimillion-dollar verdicts for our clients.
Contact us as soon as possible to begin the claim process.
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