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Updated: Jul 15, 2026
09:31
Orthotopic Implantation and Peripheral Immune Cell Monitoring in the II-45 Syngeneic Rat Mesothelioma Model
Published on: October 2, 2015
Changing trends in US mesothelioma incidence
H Weill1, J M Hughes, A M Churg
1Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA. weill@rof.net
Occupational and Environmental Medicine
|April 20, 2004
Summary
Mesothelioma incidence in US males increased for decades due to asbestos exposure, but a decline began in the early 1990s. This trend suggests asbestos-related health effects may not inevitably increase in the future.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Oncology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Mesothelioma incidence has been a growing concern linked to asbestos exposure.
- Understanding temporal trends is crucial for public health planning and risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the temporal patterns and trend changes in mesothelioma incidence in the United States since 1973.
- To investigate the relationship between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma incidence trends.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program of the National Cancer Institute.
- Analyzed annual age-adjusted incidence rates for mesothelioma in representative US cancer registries from 1973 onwards.
Main Results:
- US male mesothelioma incidence showed a significant upward trend for approximately two decades.
- A notable decline in incidence has been observed since the early 1990s, indicating a change in the trend.
- The findings suggest a link between peak amphibole asbestos usage in the 1960s and subsequent mesothelioma incidence.
Conclusions:
- The historical increase in mesothelioma incidence is attributed to asbestos exposure, particularly amphibole asbestos.
- The recent decline in the US is biologically plausible due to the latency period of mesothelioma and decreased asbestos use.
- This favorable trend contrasts with fears of an inevitable, long-term increase in asbestos-related health effects.
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