Mesothelioma is a cancer caused by asbestos exposure. The most common types affect the linings of the lungs or abdomen. It can take decades to develop, and the symptoms are often misdiagnosed. So it can be difficult to appreciate the full scope of the disease.
How Many People Have Mesothelioma?
The available data on mesothelioma likely underestimates the actual breadth of the disease. Many doctors lack the experience and resources to accurately diagnose this rare cancer. Mesothelioma often takes more than 30 years to develop after asbestos exposure. This can make diagnosis more difficult, because patients may forget their exposure. Without this critical information, doctors might not suspect mesothelioma or test for it.
Mesothelioma Statistics in the United States
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 72,779 mesothelioma cases in the United States from 1999-2021. The CDC also reported 57,170 deaths from mesothelioma during that same period.
As the United States has implemented more asbestos restrictions over time, the mesothelioma incidence rate has slowly declined. If the government were to ban asbestos entirely, mesothelioma incidence might decrease more rapidly.
Mesothelioma Statistics Worldwide
One survey in 2020 found that there were 30,870 mesothelioma cases around the world at the time. However, some countries likely underreport the number of mesothelioma cases because they lack the resources for reporting.
Where is Mesothelioma Most Common in the World?
As of 2020, the highest rates of mesothelioma occurred in Northern Europe, Australia and New Zealand.
Mesothelioma Survival Statistics
Many factors contribute to a mesothelioma patient’s prognosis. These include the type and stage of mesothelioma and each patient’s overall health.
Here are the survival rates for the two most common types of mesothelioma with treatment:
| Pleural | Peritoneal | |
| 1-year survival rate | 73% | 92% |
| 3-year survival rate | 23% | 74% |
| 5-year survival rate | 12% | 65% |
| 10-year survival rate | 5% | 39% |
Youngest Mesothelioma Patient
Given how long it takes mesothelioma to develop, there aren’t many young mesothelioma patients. In 2018, a 14-year-old girl in the United Kingdom was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. She’s considered one of the youngest mesothelioma patients in the world. According to one news source at the time, she was one of only 9 child mesothelioma patients in the world.
Famous Mesothelioma Victims
A number of celebrities have had mesothelioma, which has helped to raise awareness about the cancer. Here are some notable famous people who have fought mesothelioma:
