Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure. While asbestos use has dramatically declined in the United States and other Western nations, diagnoses of mesothelioma continue to rise. This trend may seem counterintuitive, but there are several reasons why mesothelioma cases are still being reported.
The Long Latency Period of Mesothelioma
One of the biggest reasons mesothelioma diagnoses are still increasing is the disease’s long latency period. After asbestos exposure, it can take 20 to 70 years for mesothelioma symptoms to appear. Even though asbestos use in workplaces and products has decreased significantly since the late 1970s, many individuals who were exposed decades ago are only now beginning to develop symptoms and receive diagnoses.
This long latency period explains why people exposed in the 1960s, 1970s, and even early 1980s are still being diagnosed today. Simply put, the effects of past asbestos exposure are only now surfacing.
Legacy Asbestos in Older Buildings and Infrastructure
Even though new asbestos use is limited, older buildings, schools, factories, and ships still contain legacy asbestos. Over time, asbestos materials naturally degrade or can become disturbed during renovations, demolition, or maintenance work. Once asbestos fibers are airborne, they can be inhaled, putting individuals at risk of developing mesothelioma decades later.
This “hidden” asbestos exposure means that even people who never worked directly with asbestos may still be at risk, contributing to ongoing diagnoses.
Occupational and Environmental Exposure
Many occupations had high levels of asbestos exposure, including construction workers, boiler mechanics, shipyard workers, and steel mill employees. Veterans, especially those who served in the Navy, were also heavily exposed.
Although regulations and safety measures have improved over time, the sheer number of people exposed in these high-risk jobs means that diagnoses are continuing to rise. Mesothelioma is cumulative in risk, so even low levels of exposure early in life can lead to cancer decades later.
Advances in Diagnosis
Medical technology and awareness of mesothelioma have also improved in recent years. Doctors are better able to detect early signs of mesothelioma using imaging scans and biopsies, and pathologists can more accurately identify mesothelioma cell types.
This increased awareness and improved diagnostic capability mean more patients are correctly diagnosed today, contributing to the appearance of rising numbers even as asbestos use declines.
Conclusion
The increase in mesothelioma diagnoses is a result of the disease’s long latency period, continued exposure to legacy asbestos, occupational and environmental risk, and improved diagnostic techniques. While reduced asbestos use will eventually lower future mesothelioma cases, today’s diagnoses are largely the result of exposures that occurred decades ago.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, it’s important to seek medical care and legal guidance. Our team helps victims of mesothelioma in Pennsylvania navigate treatment options and pursue compensation.
Call us today at (800) 505-6000 or fill out our contact form to learn more.
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