Mesothelioma is diagnosed in 2,000 to 3,000 new patients each year. Approximately 70 to 80 percent of all cases of mesothelioma are found to be the direct result of asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma has a long latency period, usually lasting from 10 to 50 years. During this time, sufferers may have no symptoms. As a result, mesothelioma statistics may not accurately reflect the number of people who develop the disease.

If you or someone you love developed mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure, you may be entitled to seek compensation for your losses and suffering. Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer to see if you have a case. Most will review and even fight your case for free and only take a portion of any money you win.

Mesothelioma statistics show that the disease affects men more commonly than women, probably because men are more likely to be exposed to asbestos in the workplace. Mesothelioma is also more common among people between the ages of 50 and 70, which is likely due to the disease’s long latency period. However, an increase in the number of cases reported in people between the ages of 30 and 40 seems to indicate a rise in secondary exposure.

Mesothelioma Statistics by Industry and Occupation

Many industries put their workers at a high risk for exposure to asbestos and consequently for the development of mesothelioma. Over 1.3 million people in the construction industry are exposed to asbestos annually. People in the following industries also face an increased risk of asbestos exposure:

· Railroad
· Manufacturing
· Automobile-related
· Shipyard

Teaching and farming – seemingly innocuous occupations – tend to have high mesothelioma rates as well.

Mesothelioma Statistics: Prognosis and Life Expectancy

The average life expectancy of a person with mesothelioma at the time of diagnosis is one year. If cancer is found early and aggressively treated, a patient may be able to live between two and five years from the time of diagnosis. According to mesothelioma statistics, between 43,000 and 230,000 people nationwide have died from asbestos-related cancer.

There is no cure for mesothelioma. A person with mesothelioma can expect to pay between $400,000 and $800,000 for oxygen, medication, and other treatment.