Why is malignant mesothelioma a problem in Australia?
Australia has one of the highest rates of mesothelioma in the world because of our extensive use of asbestos in the past. Even though asbestos is now banned in Australia, the number of Australians with mesothelioma is growing because the disease can take decades to develop.
How common is mesothelioma in Australia?
Australia has one of the highest incidence rates of mesothelioma in the world. This rare and aggressive cancer has no cure, and between 700 and 800 people are diagnosed each year.
Where is mesothelioma most common in the world?
According to the Australia Institute of Health and Welfare, more than 700 Australians were diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2017. That averages to two cases diagnosed per day. The highest incidence rates were in Western Australia, with 4.9 cases diagnosed for every 100,000 people.
Does everyone exposed to asbestos get mesothelioma?
Still, most people exposed to asbestos, even in large amounts, do not get mesothelioma. Other factors, such as a person’s genes or having radiation treatments in the past , may make them more likely to develop mesothelioma when exposed to asbestos. Mesotheliomas related to asbestos exposure take a long time to develop.
How common is mesothelioma after asbestos exposure?
Out of all people with heavy, prolonged exposure to asbestos, 2% to 10% develop pleural mesothelioma. Symptoms of mesothelioma usually do not show until 20-60 years after asbestos exposure, which is when tumors have grown and spread. The average life expectancy for mesothelioma patients is 12 to 22 months.
How likely is mesothelioma after asbestos exposure?
Who is most likely to mesothelioma?
The risk of mesothelioma increases with age. Mesothelioma can occur in young people (even children), but it’s rare in people under age 45. About 2 out of 3 people with mesothelioma of the chest are 65 or older.