Global patterns and trends in mesothelioma incidence: A retrospective cross-sectional study

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive malignancy primarily caused by asbestos exposure; it predominantly affects older adults with a history of occupational contact.

This population-based study used the GLOBOCAN 2022 database to estimate mesothelioma incidence and mortality across 185 countries in 2022. Long-term trends were assessed using the Cancer Incidence in Five Continents (CI5) Volume XII and CI5 plus databases. Age-standardised incidence rates (ASIRs) were calculated, and Joinpoint regression analysis was employed to assess trends in mesothelioma ASIRs by estimating the average annual percentage change (AAPC).

In 2022, there were an estimated 30,633 new mesothelioma cases globally, with an ASIR of 0.28 per 100,000. Europe bore the highest burden, accounting for 48.1% of global cases and 48.4% of deaths. A significant positive correlation was observed between the ASIR or age-standardised mortality rate (ASMR) and the Human Development Index. From 2003 to 2017, while mesothelioma incidence decreased in many regions, significant increases were observed among male in Croatia (AAPC: 2.5, 95% CI: 0.3 to 4.8), the Republic of Korea (2.5, 1.2 to 3.7), and Slovenia (1.2, 0.1 to 2.2), as well as in female in Canada (4.5, 1.3 to 7.9). Mesothelioma incidence declined significantly in males in Australia, Belarus, Germany, Israel, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Turkey, the UK, and in the White population of the USA, as well as in females in Belarus, Germany, and Turkey.

Mesothelioma remains a significant global health challenge, characterised by notable geographic and socioeconomic disparities. Sustained public health efforts are required to eliminate asbestos exposure and reduce disease burden, particularly in regions with rising incidence.