What is the incidence of mesothelioma diagnosis in the UK as a percentage of the population affected?

Incidence of Mesothelioma Diagnosis in the UK

The incidence of mesothelioma in the UK is approximately 3.4 per 100,000 population in males, making it one of the highest rates in Europe, with approximately 2,500 deaths per year. 1

Epidemiological Data

The incidence of mesothelioma in the UK has shown an increasing trend over recent decades:

• According to the 2015 ESMO guidelines, the incidence in males in Great Britain is 3.4/100,000 2
• Earlier data from 2007-2010 reported a lower incidence of 1.25/100,000 2
• The UK has one of the highest incidence rates in Europe 1
• The disease predominantly affects men, with males accounting for 83% of cases 1
• The median age at diagnosis is 73 years 1

Population Impact and Mortality

The impact of mesothelioma on the UK population is significant:

• Approximately 2,500 deaths occur annually in the UK 1
• Current projections suggest this rate will continue through the rest of this decade before beginning to fall 1
• Overall median survival is 9.5 months, with 1-year and 3-year survival rates of 41% and 12%, respectively 1
• Pleural mesothelioma accounts for 97% of cases, while peritoneal mesothelioma represents only 3% 1

Risk Factors and Distribution

The distribution of mesothelioma in the UK shows clear patterns:

• Approximately 85% of mesothelioma cases in males are attributable to occupational asbestos exposure 1
• Areas along the Thames and its estuary have historically shown the highest incidence, reflecting past shipbuilding and industrial asbestos use 3
• Interestingly, high incidence rates have also been reported in areas without heavy industrial use of asbestos, such as Exeter 4
• The peak year of asbestos exposure in the UK was estimated to be 1963 5

Projected Trends

Bayesian modeling of mesothelioma mortality in Britain has provided important projections:

• Mortality among males is predicted to peak at approximately 2,040 deaths in 2016, with a rapid decline thereafter 5
• Approximately 91,000 deaths are predicted to occur from 1968 to 2050, with around 61,000 of these occurring from 2007 onwards 5
• The introduction of alternative insulation materials and respiratory protection from the mid-1960s has resulted in an earlier decline in incidence in some areas, such as the Devonport Naval Dockyard 6

Clinical Implications

The high incidence of mesothelioma in the UK has important clinical implications:

• There is significant variation in treatment and outcomes across different regions of the UK, highlighting the need for standardized care 1
• Only 67% of patients receive active anticancer treatment (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery) 1
• The high incidence necessitates continued vigilance in recognizing symptoms in at-risk populations, particularly older men with a history of potential asbestos exposure 1

The UK's high mesothelioma incidence reflects its historical industrial use of asbestos, with the disease disproportionately affecting older males with occupational exposure histories. While incidence rates are projected to decline in coming decades, mesothelioma remains a significant public health concern requiring specialized care and ongoing surveillance.