A new study from the University of Miami is changing how researchers understand mesothelioma in the United States. Mesothelioma is changing in important ways, even though the overall rate of new cases has declined. Researchers found that the number of people affected by the disease has continued to rise, while certain groups and parts of the country are seeing different trends.
The study, led by researchers at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, examined mesothelioma cases across all 50 states from 1990 through 2023. The findings show why mesothelioma remains an important public health concern, even as asbestos use has declined.
What the University of Miami Study Found
Researchers looked at three major measures of mesothelioma: new cases, deaths, and disability caused by the disease.
The study found that age-standardized rates of mesothelioma cases and deaths declined by about one-third during the 33-year period. This is an encouraging sign and reflects the decline in heavy asbestos exposure that occurred after stronger regulations were introduced.
However, the number of people diagnosed with mesothelioma increased by nearly 30%.
The researchers believe population growth and an aging population help explain this difference. As more people live into the age groups most affected by mesothelioma, the total number of people diagnosed can remain high even when the overall rate is falling.
The study also found that the disease’s disability burden increased by about 14% since 1990.
Why Mesothelioma Is Still Being Diagnosed
Mesothelioma has an unusually long latency period. A person can be exposed to asbestos and remain healthy for decades before symptoms appear.
The National Cancer Institute explains that asbestos-related diseases can take many years to develop after exposure. Mesothelioma may not become apparent until decades after the original exposure.
This creates a difficult problem.
A person diagnosed today may have been exposed to asbestos during construction work, manufacturing, shipbuilding, military service, or another occupation many years ago. The workplace may have changed, the company may no longer exist, and the person may not remember exactly where the exposure occurred.
The University of Miami researchers described mesothelioma as behaving like a “time capsule.” Today’s diagnoses can reflect asbestos exposures that happened 30 or 40 years ago.
Mesothelioma Is Changing Among Women
One of the most notable findings from the study involved differences between men and women.
Mesothelioma has historically been more common among men. This is partly connected to industries where men were more likely to experience heavy occupational asbestos exposure, including shipbuilding, construction, and insulation work.
The new research found that mesothelioma rates declined sharply among men.
The trend among women was different.
Researchers found that mesothelioma incidence increased among women in 20 states. Mortality also increased among women in 18 states.
This does not mean that women are now more likely than men to develop mesothelioma. Instead, it shows that the disease cannot always be explained by a traditional occupational exposure history.
Researchers point to environmental exposure, exposure through family members, and asbestos that remains in older homes, schools, and public buildings as possible factors.
Geography Also Matters
Mesothelioma does not affect every state in the same way.
The University of Miami study found that Maine, Alaska, Washington, and Minnesota had some of the highest mesothelioma incidence, mortality, and disability burdens in 2023.
Each state has its own history of asbestos exposure.
Some areas have a long history of shipbuilding. Others have mining, industrial work, or naturally occurring asbestos. Older buildings and infrastructure can also preserve asbestos-containing materials for decades.
This is important because national statistics can hide local differences.
For Pennsylvania, the state’s long industrial history makes asbestos exposure an important part of understanding mesothelioma. Pennsylvania has historically been home to steel mills, factories, power plants, construction projects, railroads, shipbuilding, and other industries where asbestos-containing materials were widely used.
People who worked in these industries may still be diagnosed today because of exposures that occurred decades ago.
Why Declining Rates Do Not Mean Mesothelioma Is Gone
It can be easy to look at declining mesothelioma rates and assume the disease is disappearing. While mesothelioma is changing in a positive direction, it is not completely gone yet.
The University of Miami research shows why that conclusion would be premature.
Asbestos use has decreased substantially in the United States. However, asbestos remains in many older buildings and structures. Construction, renovation, maintenance, and demolition can disturb asbestos-containing materials and create exposure risks.
At the same time, people who were exposed decades ago may still be developing mesothelioma today.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains that exposure to asbestos causes most cases of mesothelioma and that asbestos remains present in some older homes and buildings.
This means the effects of past exposure can continue long after asbestos use has declined.
Mesothelioma Survival Has Not Changed Enough
Another concerning finding from the University of Miami study was the lack of major improvement in population-level survival.
Researchers found that the mortality-to-incidence ratio remained high over the three decades they studied. This suggests that most people diagnosed with mesothelioma still die from the disease.
New treatments have become available in recent years, including immunotherapy. However, the researchers noted that these advances have not yet produced a major change in survival at the national population level.
This highlights the need for continued research into earlier diagnosis and more effective treatments.
Why Early Awareness Still Matters
Mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms can resemble more common conditions.
Pleural mesothelioma may cause chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath, tiredness, and unexplained weight loss. These symptoms can have many possible causes, which can make the disease difficult to identify early.
Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should make sure their healthcare provider knows about that history.
This is especially important for people who worked in industries where asbestos was commonly used.
Understanding a person’s exposure history can help doctors consider mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases when evaluating symptoms.
What This Research Means for Pennsylvania
The University of Miami study provides an important lesson for Pennsylvania.
The state has a long industrial history and many older buildings and structures. Workers who were exposed to asbestos decades ago may still be at risk for mesothelioma today.
The research also shows why mesothelioma should not be viewed only as an occupational disease affecting older male workers.
Environmental exposure, household exposure, and asbestos remaining in older buildings can also matter.
Pennsylvania families should understand that a person does not always need a recent or obvious asbestos exposure history to develop mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Is Still a Preventable Disease
The University of Miami research also reinforced an important point: asbestos exposure remains the major preventable cause of mesothelioma.
The researchers estimated that nearly 96% of U.S. mesothelioma deaths in 2023 were attributable to occupational asbestos exposure.
This shows why asbestos safety remains important.
Preventing new exposures can help reduce future cases, but protecting people who were exposed decades ago also requires continued medical awareness and research.
The goal is not only to prevent future cases but also to improve treatment for people who are already living with mesothelioma.
What Patients and Families Should Know
The new University of Miami research does not mean that mesothelioma is suddenly becoming more common in every part of the country.
Instead, it shows that the disease is changing in ways that are important to understand.
Mesothelioma is changing, overall rates are declining, but the total number of people affected remains high. Women are experiencing different trends than men, some states continue to have higher burdens, and survival has not improved as much as researchers hoped.
For patients and families, the message is simple: mesothelioma remains a serious disease, but research continues to improve our understanding of who is affected and why.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, learning about treatment options and speaking with experienced medical professionals can help you make informed decisions about care.
For more than 35 years, we have represented Pennsylvania workers and families affected by asbestos exposure and mesothelioma. If you have questions about asbestos exposure, mesothelioma, or available resources, call (800) 505-6000 for a free consultation or fill out our online contact form to learn more.
Sources
A Long Shadow: Mapping Mesothelioma’s Uneven Decline Across the United States
