Incidence, mortality and survival of pleural mesothelioma in Zurich between 1981 and 2019, Switzerland

Pleural mesothelioma is mainly caused by (occupational) asbestos exposure. Since 1990, the import and use of asbestos is prohibited in Switzerland. However, due to the long latency time between exposure and the development of disease, incidence in Switzerland was expected to further increase for years after the ban. The aim of the present study was to analyse incidence, mortality, and survival of patients diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma in the canton of Zurich in Switzerland.

Population-based cancer registry data and cause of death statistics of the canton of Zurich from 1981 to 2019 were used to calculate age-standardized incidence and mortality rates. Time trends were investigated with joinpoint regression and net survival was computed using the Pohar-Perme method.

In men, the incidence rate increased from 1981 to 2002 {annual percentage change (APC) 4.7 [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.6 to 6.8]} and then decreased until 2019 [APC: -2.3 (95% CI: -4.2 to -0.3)], while in women it increased over the whole period [APC 6.2 (95% CI: -1.3 to 14.4)]. Mortality rates were stable in men and women. Three-year net survival was 9.7% (95% CI: 7.8% to 12.2%) for men and 22.1% (95% CI: 15.3% to 32.1%) for women. Men with stage I or II pleural mesothelioma had a net survival of 25.4% (95% CI: 17.2% to 37.5%) after three years whereas men with stage III or IV experienced a net survival of 7.4% (95% CI: 3.9% to 13.8%) after three years.

Malignant pleural mesothelioma incidence seems to have reached the peak in the canton of Zurich in men, but not yet in women. Mortality rates were stable in men and women, and net survival was poor for both sexes, particularly in men.