Because of its aggressive nature, mesothelioma is considered a very dangerous type of cancer. It is also most common in the elderly, which can increase the risks. For these reasons, anyone who gets diagnosed with it, perhaps after exposure to asbestos, needs to seek proper medical care. The earlier the medical response, the better the odds of recovery.
While all of this sounds fairly daunting, the good news is that mesothelioma is still a rare disease. Annually, there are approximately 3,000 new cases. It’s also worth noting that the rate has fallen. Between 1970 and 1990, researchers saw an increase in the number of cases. Since the ‘90s, though, that rate has dropped by a small percentage. Even in years when it doesn’t fall, it remains roughly the same without rising.
There is a long delay between exposure and onset
One thing that’s important to note is that there can be a delay of decades between the exposure to asbestos and the onset of mesothelioma in the person who was exposed. If someone was diagnosed in the 1990s, they may actually have been exposed to asbestos back in the 1960s or the 1970s. It can take a long time for the disease to manifest, much less show symptoms. Even those being diagnosed today could have been exposed before safety measures were as strict as they are now. This bodes well for the number of cases in the future.
What to do if you are diagnosed with mesothelioma
If you do get diagnosed with mesothelioma, seeking proper medical care is the first step. After that, consider some of the legal options you may have to seek financial compensation.