Geographic analysis and trends in mortality from mesothelioma in Mexico 1998-2022

Asbestos processing began in Mexico in the 1930s and continues to this day. Mesothelioma is a lethal cancer associated with asbestos exposure, which appears after an induction period of 20-50 years. Given this scenario, an updated description of mortality trends from mesothelioma in Mexico is needed.

Mortality data from mesothelioma in Mexico were retrieved for the period 1998-2022. Age-standardized mortality rates (World standard population) were computed per million according to sex, year, and state. Mortality trends were analysed through joinpoint regression analyses, estimating the annual percentage change in mesothelioma mortality for the studied period.

In the period 1998-2022, 5472 people died from mesothelioma. Overall, 67% of deaths corresponded to males, and age-specific mortality rates were highest for people aged ≥55 years. Age-standardized mortality rates increased from 2.53 per million in 1998 to 3.46 per million in 2022, with the largest increase between 1998 and 2008 with an annual percentage increase of 4.34% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 2.09, 11.86). Among males, an increase in mesothelioma mortality was observed in a 21-year period (annual percentage increase of 4.32% [95% CI 1.56, 19.35] during 1998-2008 and 0.58% [95% CI -1.72, 3.93] during 2008-2019). Higher age-standardized mortality rates were observed in the northern states and in central Mexico.

Mortality from mesothelioma increased over the period 1998-2022 in Mexico. Special attention should be given to regions with the highest death rates, and Mexico should promote policies towards a complete ban of asbestos.