Global trends in mortality from malignant mesothelioma: Analysis of WHO mortality database (1994-2013)

Background and objectiveLittle is known about the extent to which asbestos use ban has affected global trends in malignant mesothelioma. This study investigated recent global mortality trends of malignant mesothelioma. MethodsData were collected from International Agency for Research on Cancer/World Health Organization mortality database to examine age-standardized, gender-specific mortality rates for malignant mesothelioma (ICD10-C45). Cross-sectional mortality rates (2009-2013) as well as trends over time (1994-2013) were also reported. Gender-specific annual percent change (APC) was calculated to examine trends over time for each country. ResultsAmong the 30 countries with highest mesothelioma mortality in men, there is almost 10-fold variation in mortality rates during 2009-2013 ranging from 6.25 per 100000 for United Kingdom to 0.64 per 100000 in Portugal; whereas, among the 30 countries with highest mesothelioma mortality in women, there is a 4-fold variation in mortality rates during 2009-2013 ranging from 1.08 per 100000 for United Kingdom to 0.26 per 100000 in Ireland. Mortality rates were higher in men compared to women in 32 out of 35 evaluable countries. Among males and over the last 10 years of covered years, mesothelioma mortality was significantly declining in 9countries (United Kingdom, Sweden, France, Germany, Netherlands, Canada, United States, Australia, and New Zealand); whereas, it was significantly rising in 5countries (Poland, Spain, China-Hong Kong, Japan, and Republic of Korea). In the remaining countries, APC was stable. Among females and over the last 10 years of covered years, mesothelioma mortality was significantly declining in 1 country only (Italy); whereas, it was significantly rising in 3 countries (Poland, Argentina, and Republic of Korea). In the remaining countries, APC was stable. ConclusionsThere is a worldwide variability in the burden and trends of mesothelioma mortality; and despite the ban on asbestos in many countries, mesothelioma still represents an important cause of mortality.