Mesothelioma in the UK
Mesothelioma is a deadly cancer of the lung lining, caused by asbestos exposure. It has been estimated that the United Kingdom has one of the highest rates of mesothelioma in the world, followed closely by Australia. England, Scotland and Wales are the largest affected areas as asbestos was used in a number of industries in these countries.
In the United Kingdom, mesothelioma cancer accounts for less than 1% of all cancers diagnosed. In 2007, approximately 2,400 people were diagnosed with mesothelioma in UK. The prevalence of mesothelioma has increased almost four-fold since the early 1980s.The incidence rate of mesothelioma is still growing, it is projected to peak around 2020 and then to decline rapidly afterwards.
Risk Factors and Causes of Mesothelioma
In the UK, asbestos was widely used in many industries including construction and shipbuilding industries from the 1950s up until the mid-1980s. When it became apparent that the majority of mesothelioma cases were caused by asbestos exposure, the use of asbestos was banned in the UK in 1985 while the use of asbestos products was completely banned in the UK in 1999.
Individuals who have been exposed to asbestos fibers are ata greater risk for developing mesothelioma cancer and other forms of asbestos-related disease. Clinical trials have shown that inhalation of even the smallest amounts has the potential to damage the lining of lungs. In the United Kingdom, people whose occupations put them at the highest risk of asbestos exposure include:
- Carpenters
- Joiners
- Construction workers
- Plumbers
- Boilermakers
- Electricians
- HVAC engineers
- Plasterers
- Roofing contractors
- Demolition crews
- Painters
- Pipe fitters
- Maintenance workers
In addition to these occupations, people who have worked in the shipbuilding industry before the 1980s are also at a high risk of asbestos exposure and mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Statistics – Real Facts
Mesothelioma prognosis is very poor as symptoms take decades to manifest and do not appear until the disease has progressed to an advanced stage. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), from 1982 to 1984, mesothelioma rates for men and women were 20.2 per million and 3.3 per million, respectively. The rates had increased to 62.3 per million and 11.6 per million from 2006 to 2008.One-year survival rates for mesothelioma have increased by around 30% since the late 1980s.
According to recent HSC reports, around 2,150 people died from mesothelioma in the UK in 2008. It is estimated that, of that number, more than 83% of mesothelioma deaths occurred in men. Mesothelioma mortality rates in females have been low due to the fact that few women worked in industries at high risk of asbestos exposure. However, the annual number of deaths among women has increased more rapidly than the increase among men over the last ten years. Mortality from malignant mesothelioma among women increased 68% in the last 10 years, compared to 35% for men. This trend was observed in women who often come into contact with individuals who work with asbestos or live in areas near asbestos factories.
The Prevalence of Mesothelioma in UK
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) there is an increase in mesothelioma mortalities in various regions of the United Kingdom. Regions that have low death rates for men are Scotland, North East, South East and West Midlands. Affected areas where shipbuilding was most prevalent and which consequently have the highest mesothelioma incidence are:
- Barking and Dagenham
- Barrow-In-Furness
- Crewe and Nantwich
- Eastleigh
- Glasgow City
- Gosport
- Hartlepool
- Havant
- Inverclyde
- Medway
- Newcastle-Upon-Tyne
- Newham
- North Tyneside
- Plymouth
- Portsmouth
- Renfrewshire
- South Tyneside
- Southampton
- Sunderland
- West Dunbartonshire
The statistical information with regards to mesothelioma and asbestos related deaths are thoroughly verified and checked by HSE using a comprehensive system of records, death certificates and cross-checking cancer registrations.
