Mesothelioma Cases in Women Increased in Last Three Decades

A significant portion of women diagnosed with mesothelioma did not have occupational exposure. In fact, one in five women with mesothelioma did not work outside the home. Among these women, homemakers constituted the largest occupational group, accounting for a staggering 22.8% of cases. The next largest group was elementary and middle school teachers (5%). It’s worth noting that schools in the 1970s and 1980s often contained asbestos in tiles and other materials.[1]

When it comes to asbestos-related diseases, mesothelioma has long been perceived as predominantly affecting men who worked in heavy labor industries. However, a closer look at recent data reveals a notable and concerning trend—mesothelioma cases among women have been on the rise over the last three decades.

This unexpected surge in female mesothelioma diagnoses raises important questions about the evolving landscape of asbestos exposure and its impact on women’s health. In this article, we will take a closer look at what the cause is for this mesothelioma prevalence in women and what you can do about it.

The Changing Face of Mesothelioma

As mentioned above, mesothelioma has been traditionally associated with male-dominated industries. Construction and manufacturing are two of the most prevalent industries where occupation asbestos exposure risk is rather high.

However, as time has passed, the demographic profile of mesothelioma patients has undergone a significant transformation. While the overall use of asbestos has declined since the 1980s, the number of mesothelioma deaths among women is increasing. Astonishingly, these deaths have surged by 25% in the past two decades.[2]

One key factor contributing to this shift is that women might inherently face an elevated risk of mesothelioma compared to men. Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that primarily affects the mesothelium, a thin protective layer covering most internal organs.

It develops when asbestos fibers become lodged in the chest or abdominal lining, forming tumors due to the body’s inability to eliminate them.[3] What sets women apart in this context is their smaller lung size and respiratory systems, which result in greater fiber retention.

Interestingly, when diagnosed early, women with mesothelioma generally exhibit better survival rates than their male counterparts. However, understanding the causes, available treatments, and legal actions for those affected is essential, as the risks persist. In many cases, though, asbestos exposure to women is second-hand in nature. 

Malignant Mesothelioma Mortality Rates in Women

Recent studies have shown that the annual number of mesothelioma deaths in women saw a significant increase, rising from 489 in 1999 to 614 in 2020. During this period, 12,227 mesothelioma-related deaths occurred among women aged 25 and older. The majority of these fatalities affected women aged 55 and older, particularly among the white and non-Hispanic population.

Notably, the types of mesothelioma recorded encompassed three primary forms:

·        Pleural,

·        Peritoneal, and

·        Pericardial forms.

The annual age-adjusted death rate, although showing a slight decrease, remained relatively high, with several states like Louisiana, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wisconsin reporting rates exceeding 6.0 per 1 million women.

Occupational Implications & Health Risks for Women

Certain occupations pose a higher risk of hazardous asbestos exposure for individuals, affecting women differently than men. Surprisingly, a significant portion of mesothelioma deaths among women is attributed to homemakers.

Healthcare and social assistance industries were identified as the leading contributors to malignant mesothelioma deaths, accounting for 15.7% of cases.[4] Furthermore, specific professions, including registered nurses and schoolteachers, have unexpectedly become associated with asbestos exposure.

Women above the age of 60 face the greatest risk in this demographic because of asbestos’ long-term latency risks.

Asbestos and women who work outside the home

In the early days of Johns Manville (JM), at the time the world’s largest producer of asbestos, most female employees had office jobs, but women did work in industrial occupations involving asbestos exposure as well. Since then, it has become clear that even many women who never left the home were exposed to asbestos dust left on their spouses’ work clothing.

Protective Measures for Women Against Asbestos

While the number of mesothelioma cases among women is on the rise, protective measures and proactive actions can help mitigate these risks. Medical centers specializing in mesothelioma continually explore new treatment options to improve life expectancy and prognosis for patients.

These treatments typically encompass surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these approaches. Emerging treatments, such as immunotherapy, electric fields, and gene therapy, are also being explored to target proteins that stimulate the immune system to combat cancer cells.[5]

For victims of mesothelioma resulting from corporate negligence in asbestos exposure, legal avenues exist to seek compensation for health-related damages. These legal options cover:

·        The costs of treatments,

·        Medications,

·        Participation in clinical trials,

·        Damages, and

·        Caregiver services.

This, in turn, offers essential support to those impacted by mesothelioma.

Asbestos Risks Extend Beyond Occupational Exposure

One unexpected aspect of asbestos exposure is its reach beyond the workplace. Recent investigations have unveiled asbestos dangers within unexpected settings, such as correctional facilities. For instance, in Dublin, California, the Federal Correctional Institution faced scrutiny for unreported mold and asbestos, which posed risks to the incarcerated women.[6] Asbestos exposure within correctional facilities is a common concern, as many of these structures were constructed before the implementation of stringent regulations. Furthermore, it presented a viable risk of second-hand exposure to the staff and their families.

However, the lack of asbestos examinations and clean-up efforts, as mandated by the EPA Clean Air Act, has raised legal questions. Victims exposed to asbestos in such environments have legal options available to seek justice for their mesothelioma diagnoses, much like those affected by corporate misconduct – especially if the second-hand exposure led to mesothelioma.

The Importance of Monitoring, Testing, & Seeking Legal Assistance

The growing number of mesothelioma cases among women underscores the significance of monitoring asbestos exposure risks to ultimately reduce mortality rates. It is imperative for individuals with potential asbestos exposure histories to request case evaluations from experienced mesothelioma law firms.

These professionals can assess each unique situation, provide legal guidance, and offer options to pursue justice and compensation for those affected by this aggressive disease. While mesothelioma has traditionally affected older males, the increasing rates of female cases and improved survival rates suggest a changing landscape. As a result, they are likely to develop severer symptoms even in case of second- or third-hand exposure.

Awareness, early diagnosis, and access to legal recourse are essential components of addressing the evolving challenges posed by mesothelioma in women. As research continues and treatment options advance, the future may hold brighter prospects for those impacted by this relentless disease.

To protect themselves and their families, it is crucial for women whose spouses or parents worked in industries with asbestos exposure before the mid-1980s to seek testing, including X-rays with a B Reader, to detect potential health risks early.

By raising awareness, taking preventive measures, and advocating for the rights of those affected, we can work together to combat this silent epidemic and ensure a safer future for all. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our experienced asbestos attorneys who can guide you through the legal process and help you secure the compensation you deserve. Your health and rights matter – take action today!

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9098251/

[2] https://wonder.cdc.gov/mcd.html

[3] https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/mesothelioma/

[4] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0013935122024124

[5] https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/asbestosis/treating-and-managing#:~:text=How%20Asbestosis%20Is%20Treated,down%20the%20disease%20from%20progressing.

[6] https://apnews.com/article/health-business-treatment-of-prisoners-merrick-garland-prisons-e17752eb1b83f419148b7a845b93fa88