Mesothelioma Statistics

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Data last updated: 2025-01-28

By Emily Nguyen, · Data Editor

Key Statistics

Official data from CDC U.S. Cancer Statistics and NCI SEER database. Download or embed for presentations and articles.

U.S. Mesothelioma Cases (2022)

New mesothelioma cases reported in the United States in 2022

2,669 new cases in 2022 Incidence declining due to reduced asbestos exposure Source: CDC U.S. Cancer Statistics, 2024
Data from MesoWatch. Free to use with attribution.

Total U.S. Cases (2003-2022)

Total mesothelioma cases reported over 20 years

63,620 total cases (2003-2022) From CDC population-based cancer registries Source: CDC U.S. Cancer Statistics, 2024
Data from MesoWatch. Free to use with attribution.

5-Year Survival Rate

All-stage 5-year relative survival rate for mesothelioma

15% 5-year survival (all stages) 23% localized · 15% regional · 11% distant Source: NCI SEER 2015-2021
Data from MesoWatch. Free to use with attribution.

Median Age at Diagnosis

Mesothelioma primarily affects older adults

75 median age at diagnosis 20-50 year latency from asbestos exposure Source: NCI SEER Database
Data from MesoWatch. Free to use with attribution.

20-Year Incidence Trend

Mesothelioma incidence has declined 21% from peak (2011) to 2022 as occupational asbestos exposure decreased. However, background cases from environmental and secondary exposure are rising.

Mesothelioma Incidence Trend (2003-2022)

20-year trend showing declining annual cases

U.S. Mesothelioma Cases (2003-2022) Annual new cases showing 21% decline from peak. CDC U.S. Cancer Statistics. 0 996 2.0k 3.0k 4.0k 2003 2007 2011 2015 2019 2022 2003: 3,284 cases 2004: 3,302 cases 2005: 3,319 cases 2006: 3,341 cases 2007: 3,358 cases 2008: 3,376 cases 2009: 3,350 cases 2010: 3,320 cases 2011: 3,376 cases 2012: 3,290 cases 2013: 3,210 cases 2014: 3,150 cases 2015: 3,100 cases 2016: 3,050 cases 2017: 3,000 cases 2018: 2,950 cases 2019: 2,900 cases 2020: 2,850 cases 2021: 2,803 cases 2022: 2,669 cases 2008 Peak 3,376 2022: 2,669 Source: CDC U.S. Cancer Statistics, 2024
Data from MesoWatch. Free to use with attribution.

Age at Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is primarily a disease of older adults, reflecting the 20-50 year latency period between asbestos exposure and diagnosis. One-third of patients are 80+ at diagnosis.

Mesothelioma by Age at Diagnosis

Age distribution showing majority are 65+

Age Distribution at Diagnosis Percentage of cases by age group Under 50 Under 50 Under 50: 5 % 5 % 50-64 50-64 50-64: 20 % 20 % 65-79 65-79 65-79: 42 % 42 % 80+ 80+ 80+: 33 % 33 % Source: CDC U.S. Cancer Statistics
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Data from MesoWatch. Free to use with attribution.

Survival by Stage

Early detection dramatically improves outcomes. Patients diagnosed at Stage I (localized) have 23% 5-year survival vs 11% for Stage IV (distant).

5-Year Survival Rate by Stage

Survival rates showing importance of early detection

5-Year Survival Rate by Stage Early detection significantly improves outcomes Localized Localized Localized: 23 % 23 % Regional Regional Regional: 15 % 15 % Distant Distant Distant: 7 % 7 % Source: NCI SEER 2015-2021
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Data from MesoWatch. Free to use with attribution.

Deaths by State

Geographic distribution of mesothelioma deaths across the United States. Higher rates correlate with shipbuilding, industrial, and mining regions.

Mesothelioma Deaths by State

Annual mesothelioma mortality by U.S. state

Estimated Annual Mesothelioma Deaths by State

Based on CDC/NIOSH mortality data. Hover over states for details.

Scale 6 117 228 339 450
Data from MesoWatch. Free to use with attribution.

Top 10 States by Deaths

States with the highest mesothelioma mortality. Higher rates correlate with shipbuilding, heavy industry, and manufacturing regions.

Top 10 States by Mesothelioma Deaths

Annual mesothelioma deaths by state

Top 10 States by Annual Mesothelioma Deaths Based on CDC/NIOSH mortality data California California California: 450 deaths 450 deaths Florida Florida Florida: 320 deaths 320 deaths Texas Texas Texas: 350 deaths 350 deaths Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Pennsylvania: 280 deaths 280 deaths New York New York New York: 260 deaths 260 deaths Ohio Ohio Ohio: 220 deaths 220 deaths Michigan Michigan Michigan: 180 deaths 180 deaths Illinois Illinois Illinois: 175 deaths 175 deaths New Jersey New Jersey New Jersey: 170 deaths 170 deaths Washington Washington Washington: 165 deaths 165 deaths Source: CDC/NIOSH
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Data from MesoWatch. Free to use with attribution.

Cases by Tumor Location

Distribution of mesothelioma cases by tumor location. Mesothelioma in the lung lining accounts for over 80% of all cases.

Mesothelioma by Tumor Location

Distribution of mesothelioma by tumor location (CDC 2003-2022)

Cases by Tumor Location 63,620 total cases, 2003-2022 Pleural (lung lining): 81 (81.0%) Peritoneal (abdomen): 11.1 (11.1%) Other/unspecified: 7.5 (7.5%) Pericardial (heart): 0.2 (0.2%) Testicular: 0.2 (0.2%) 100 TOTAL Pleural (lung lining): 81 (81.0%) Pleural lung lining 81 • 81.0% Peritoneal (abdomen): 11.1 (11.1%) Peritoneal abdomen 11.1 • 11.1% Other/unspecified: 7.5 (7.5%) Other/unspecified 7.5 • 7.5% Pericardial (heart): 0.2 (0.2%) Pericardial heart 0.2 • 0.2% Testicular: 0.2 (0.2%) Testicular 0.2 • 0.2% Source: CDC U.S. Cancer Statistics
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Data from MesoWatch. Free to use with attribution.

Cases by Sex

Mesothelioma predominantly affects males due to higher occupational asbestos exposure in industries like construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing.

Mesothelioma Cases by Sex

Male vs female mesothelioma incidence (CDC 2003-2022)

Cases by Sex 47,973 male · 15,647 female (2003-2022) Male: 70.4 (70.4%) Female: 29.6 (29.6%) 100 TOTAL Male: 70.4 (70.4%) Male 70.4 • 70.4% Female: 29.6 (29.6%) Female 29.6 • 29.6% Source: CDC U.S. Cancer Statistics
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Data from MesoWatch. Free to use with attribution.

Cases by Race/Ethnicity

Mesothelioma disproportionately affects non-Hispanic white populations, reflecting historical occupational patterns in industries with high asbestos exposure.

Mesothelioma Cases by Race/Ethnicity

Racial and ethnic distribution of mesothelioma cases (CDC 2021)

Cases by Race/Ethnicity 81% non-Hispanic white (CDC 2021) Non-Hispanic White: 81 (81.0%) Hispanic: 8 (8.0%) Black: 5 (5.0%) Asian/Pacific Islander: 4 (4.0%) Other/Unknown: 2 (2.0%) 100 TOTAL Non-Hispanic White: 81 (81.0%) Non-Hispanic White 81 • 81.0% Hispanic: 8 (8.0%) Hispanic 8 • 8.0% Black: 5 (5.0%) Black 5 • 5.0% Asian/Pacific Islander: 4 (4.0%) Asian/Pacific Islander 4 • 4.0% Other/Unknown: 2 (2.0%) Other/Unknown 2 • 2.0% Source: CDC U.S. Cancer Statistics
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Data from MesoWatch. Free to use with attribution.

Veterans vs. Civilians

One-third of all mesothelioma cases occur in military veterans. Navy veterans are at highest risk due to extensive asbestos use in shipbuilding from the 1940s-1980s.

Mesothelioma: Veterans vs. Civilians

Proportion of mesothelioma cases among veterans

Veterans vs. Civilians 33% of all mesothelioma patients are veterans Veterans: 33 (33.0%) Civilians: 67 (67.0%) 100 TOTAL Veterans: 33 (33.0%) Veterans 33 • 33.0% Civilians: 67 (67.0%) Civilians 67 • 67.0% Source: VA Health Research
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Data from MesoWatch. Free to use with attribution.

Why Veterans?

The Navy carries the highest risk of any branch because ships built before 1980 used asbestos throughout their insulation, gaskets, and fireproofing. All other branches were affected too: barracks, vehicles, and aircraft all contained asbestos components into the 1970s. Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma may qualify for VA disability compensation, and an estimated 800+ new veteran cases are diagnosed each year.

Veterans Resources →

Survival by Mesothelioma Type

Peritoneal mesothelioma (abdomen) has dramatically better outcomes than pleural (lung), especially with HIPEC surgery. Early detection remains critical for both.

5-Year Survival Rate by Mesothelioma Type

Comparison of survival rates between pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma

5-Year Survival Rate by Type Peritoneal patients have 5× better survival with HIPEC surgery Peritoneal Peritoneal Peritoneal: 65 % 65 % Pleural Pleural Pleural: 12 % 12 % Source: NCI SEER Database
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Data from MesoWatch. Free to use with attribution.

The Asbestos Cover-Up Timeline

For decades, the asbestos industry suppressed evidence of health risks. This timeline shows key moments in the fight for public awareness and regulation.

Asbestos Industry Timeline

Key events in asbestos regulation history

The 40-Year Cover-Up How the asbestos industry hid the truth 1930s Early Warnings Ignored Internal industry studies show asbestos health risks 1964 Landmark Study Published Dr. Irving Selikoff documents mesothelioma-asbestos link 1971 OSHA Standards Set First federal workplace exposure limits established 1973 EPA Bans Spray Asbestos Sprayed fireproofing materials prohibited 1989 EPA Attempts Full Ban Comprehensive ban rule later overturned by courts 2024 Chrysotile Finally Banned EPA bans last form of asbestos still used in U.S. Source: Historical records
Data from MesoWatch. Free to use with attribution.

Occupational Risk by the Numbers

Certain occupations carry dramatically elevated mesothelioma risk due to historical asbestos exposure. The data below shows relative risk compared to the general population, along with estimated annual cases and typical compensation.

Mesothelioma Risk by Occupation

Relative risk of mesothelioma compared to general population

Relative Risk by Occupation (× General Population) Higher numbers indicate greater risk compared to unexposed individuals Insulation Workers Insulation Workers Insulation Workers: 46 × 46 × Shipyard Workers Shipyard Workers Shipyard Workers: 30 × 30 × Boilermakers Boilermakers Boilermakers: 25 × 25 × Pipefitters & Plumbers Pipefitters & Plumbers Pipefitters & Plumbers: 18 × 18 × Sheet Metal Workers Sheet Metal Workers Sheet Metal Workers: 15 × 15 × Electricians Electricians Electricians: 10 × 10 × Navy Veterans Navy Veterans Navy Veterans: 8 × 8 × Construction Workers Construction Workers Construction Workers: 6 × 6 × Auto Mechanics Auto Mechanics Auto Mechanics: 4 × 4 × Firefighters Firefighters Firefighters: 2 × 2 × Source: NIOSH, VA Health Research, Selikoff et al.
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Data from MesoWatch. Free to use with attribution.

Occupation Risk Data

Occupation Risk % of Cases Est. Annual Cases Lifetime Risk Avg. Compensation
Insulation Workers 46× 11.2% 299 10-18% $2.4M
Shipyard Workers 30× 15% 400 7-12% $2.1M
Boilermakers 25× 5.6% 149 5-10% $1.9M
Pipefitters & Plumbers 18× 7.5% 200 4-8% $1.7M
Sheet Metal Workers 15× 4.5% 120 3-6% $1.5M
Electricians 10× 6.7% 179 2-5% $1.4M
Navy Veterans 8× 30% 800 2-4% $1.8M + VA benefits
Construction Workers 6× 13.1% 350 1-3% $1.2M
Auto Mechanics 4× 3.7% 99 0.5-2% $950K
Firefighters 2× 1.9% 51 0.2-1% $1.1M

Occupational Cases Annually

Estimated annual cases from occupational exposure

2,647 occupational cases/year 99% of mesothelioma linked to workplace exposure Source: CDC Occupational Health
Data from MesoWatch. Free to use with attribution.

Veteran Cases

Military veterans represent a disproportionate share

33% of cases are veterans ~880 veteran cases annually Source: VA Health Research
Data from MesoWatch. Free to use with attribution.

Average Latency Period

Time between exposure and diagnosis

40 years average latency Range: 20-50 years from first exposure Source: NCI SEER
Data from MesoWatch. Free to use with attribution.

Cases by Industry

Annual mesothelioma cases by industry sector. Construction and military sectors account for over half of all cases due to widespread historical asbestos use.

Annual Mesothelioma Cases by Industry

Estimated annual cases by industry sector

Estimated Annual Cases by Industry Based on occupational health studies and CDC mortality data Military (all branches) Military all branches Military (all branches): 880 cases 880 cases Construction Construction Construction: 650 cases 650 cases Shipbuilding & Repair Shipbuilding & Repair Shipbuilding & Repair: 400 cases 400 cases Manufacturing Manufacturing Manufacturing: 320 cases 320 cases Oil & Petrochemical Oil & Petrochemical Oil & Petrochemical: 180 cases 180 cases Power Generation Power Generation Power Generation: 150 cases 150 cases Automotive Automotive Automotive: 120 cases 120 cases Source: NIOSH, CDC WONDER
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Data from MesoWatch. Free to use with attribution.

Industry Exposure Data

Industry Est. Workers Exposed Annual Cases % of Total Avg. Latency
Military (all branches) 600,000 880 33% 40 years
Construction 1,200,000 650 24.4% 42 years
Shipbuilding & Repair 85,000 400 15% 38 years
Manufacturing 800,000 320 12% 40 years
Oil & Petrochemical 120,000 180 6.7% 35 years
Power Generation 80,000 150 5.6% 37 years
Automotive 350,000 120 4.5% 45 years

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Data Sources

All statistics on this page are sourced from official government cancer registries and peer-reviewed research.