Mesothelioma Deaths Increase Among Women
While the overall use of asbestos has decreased since the 1980s, the number of mesothelioma deaths among women is increasing. In fact, these deaths have actually increased by 25% over the past two decades. Mesothelioma has historically been considered a disease primarily found in men working in heavy labor industries. As the years have passed, more women with less traditional sources of asbestos exposure have been diagnosed.
Women may face an increased risk of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rapidly progressing cancer of the mesothelium, a thin layer that protects most internal organs. These fibers become lodged in the lining of the chest or abdomen, ultimately developing tumors because the body is unable to remove them. Women generally have smaller lungs and the smaller respiratory systems cause greater fiber retention.
If a women’s mesothelioma is diagnosed early, they typically have a better survival rate than men. However, it is still important to understand the causes, treatment options, and legal actions available to those affected.
Malignant Mesothelioma Mortality Rates in Women
According to a recent study, the annual number of mesothelioma deaths among women significantly increased from 489 in 1999 to 614 in 2020. During this period, 12,227 mesothelioma deaths occurred among women aged 25 and older. Most occurred among women aged 55 and older, white and non-Hispanic women.
The majority of these deaths were diversely classified as pleural, peritoneal, and pericardial mesothelioma. The annual age-adjusted death rate decreased from 4.83 per 1 million women in 1999 to 4.15 in 2020. Particularly, the age-adjusted mesothelioma death rate in Louisiana, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wisconsin surpassed 6.0 per 1 million women.
Health and Occupation Implications for Women
Certain jobs pose a greater risk for hazardous levels of asbestos exposure than others. A total of 567 out of 614 deaths related to mesothelioma in 2020 were related to various occupational causes. Historically, occupational exposure to asbestos within construction and manufacturing fields was the most prevalent cause of mesothelioma death for men. Recently, research has proven differences in occupational causes for women.
Surprisingly, most mesothelioma deaths among women are attributed to homemakers. Health care and social assistance were reported as the leading industry groups accounting for 15.7% of malignant mesothelioma deaths. Specific jobs correlated with exposure include registered nurses and school teachers, which previously weren’t connected to asbestos exposure.
How Can Women Protect Themselves From Asbestos?
The nation’s top mesothelioma medical centers continually work to uncover new and effective treatments. These treatments are improving the life expectancy and prognosis of mesothelioma victims. Treatment methods typically involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a varied combination of all three. Emerging treatments include immunotherapy, electric fields, and gene therapy, which target different proteins that stimulate the immune system to attack cancer cells.
Victims of mesothelioma due to corporate asbestos negligence are usually entitled to financial compensation for health damages. The legal and compensation options cover the costs of treatment, medications, clinical trials, and caregiver services.
Asbestos Discovered in California Correctional Facility
In Dublin California, the Federal Correctional Institution is being investigated for unreported mold and asbestos. These dangers were discovered within the women’s prison. Asbestos exposure within the prison system is common since most structures were built before most of the restrictions that are now in place.
However, in this instance, the Federal Bureau of Prisons didn’t perform an asbestos examination, which violates the EPA Clean Air Act. Due to these conditions, legal options are available for these victims the same as any others affected by mesothelioma as a result of corporate misconduct.
Request a Case Evaluation
The rising number of mesothelioma deaths among women highlights the importance of monitoring the risks of asbestos exposure to ultimately decrease mortality rates in the future.
When you request a case evaluation, you will be connected with one of the highest-ranking mesothelioma law firms in the United States. These professionals will assess your unique situation and offer options to help you proceed.
Last updated on December 16th, 2022 at 08:17 pm