Epidemiology

In the US, there are about 3200 new cases of malignant pleural mesothelioma annually (approximately 1 per 100,000 people).[3][4]​​ The disease is more common in men (male to female ratio of about 3:1) and white people, and typically occurs in older adults (sixth to ninth decade of life).[4]​[5][6]​​​​ The incidence of mesothelioma increased between 1970 and 2000, but seems to have plateaued, at least in the US.[7]

The annual mortality in the US due to malignant pleural mesothelioma increased from 2479 in 1999 to 2597 in 2015.[8] Global mortality varies widely, ranging from 0.5 deaths per million in Brazil and Ecuador to 31 deaths per million in the UK. This variation likely reflects country-to-country disparities in asbestos use and regulation.[9]

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