Late last year, a group of researchers from the Taussig Cancer Center in Cleveland published their findings on mesothelioma diagnosis and survival rates. The study reviews data from nearly 21,000 mesothelioma patients and reveals a few key details that mesothelioma patients and their loved ones need to know.
1. Treatment Rates For This Rare Cancer Have Improved.
Previous data indicated that only 34% of those with mesothelioma underwent treatment. However, these recent statistics suggest that treatment rates have improved, and more than half of patients are undergoing treatment.
2. Diagnoses Remain Steady Despite Previous Predictions.
While banning asbestos in many industries and applications was intended to keep patients safe, the prediction that diagnosis rates was expected to slow. However, the study indicates doctors diagnosed patients with mesothelioma and asbestos-related illnesses at about the same rate as in previous years. With nearly 3,000 cases in the U.S. per year, mesothelioma accounts for about 0.3 percent of cancer cases reported in a year.
3. Despite The Challenges of Treatment, Patient Outlook Has Improved.
Due to several factors, one-year survival rates for mesothelioma patients have increased from 37 percent to 47 percent. Survival over three years has jumped from only 9 percent to 15 percent, indicating that patients are living longer after their diagnosis.
As The American Cancer Society notes, patients’ outlook for survival can vary depending on how much cancer has spread before its diagnosis. They note that while the 5-year survival rate for those diagnosed before cancer has spread to other parts of the body is 20 percent, the 5-year survival rate for other patients ranges from 8 percent to 15 percent.
Because survival rates depend on early diagnosis and thorough treatment, it can be important for patients and their loved ones to speak to an experienced personal injury attorney about their case. Taking legal action can be an essential way to hold companies responsible for their part in the asbestos exposure and to fight for necessary compensation to help pay for medical treatment and other support.