Mesothelioma in the United States

Abstract

Mesothelioma is a rare neoplasm, the occurrence of which was clearly related to asbestos exposure. Data recently collected by population based cancer registries in Washington, Hawaii, New Mexico, Connecticut, Michigan, Utah, Louisiana and Iowa were obtained for the determination of mesothelioma incidence rates. These registries represent a total population of over 16 million persons. Crude incidence rates ranged from 3.0-7.1/106 per yr. Age specific incidence rates showed a steady increase from the 3rd through the 8th decade, with a more rapid increase for males than females. Sex specific incidence rates, age adjusted to the 1970 USA population, ranged from 4.4-11.1/106 per yr for males and from 1.2-3.8 per 106 per yr for females. The highest rates for males and females were found in the New Orleans area of Louisiana and the Puget Sound area of Washington state, both with significant shipbuilding activity.