Sunday, June 7, 2009

Statistical Mesothelioma Data

By Lelouch Parkman

There are statistical data available about the dreadful mesothelioma cancer. The affected areas of the body are the lungs, heart and stomach but there are isolated cases that the reproductive system is affected also. This fatal disease has brought so much sorrow for the family members as well as the victim himself.

What Do The Statistical Data Reveal?

Mesothelioma statistics have shown that more than seventy percent of all mesothelioma cases have been directly traced to prolonged exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was an often used material in railroads, constructions, factories, shipyards and automobile industries. Mesothelioma statistics were able to highlight the link between asbestos and cancer more than sixty years ago. However, unscrupulous industries have chosen to continue using asbestos for profit motives.

The statistics also reveal a silent killer profile for this dreadful disease. It can lie dormant for a decade or more without being detected or without showing symptoms. Usually diagnosis occurs when the patient reaches the age of 50 or more. When mesothelioma is diagnosed, it is already in the last stages and little time will be left for the patient to survive.

Statistics Regarding Mesothelioma Treatment:

The sad reality is that mesothelioma has no cure. According to the statistics, after diagnosis, the average rate of survival is only 12 to 24 months. Even with early detection and treatment, the survival rate can be prolonged up to five years. Mesothelioma treatments are very expensive and usually range somewhere between four hundred thousand and eight hundred thousand dollars. This is the reason why most of the mesothelioma patients have to file lawsuits to recover medical and other costs related to this killer disease.

What Are The Things That The Statistics Does Not Reveal?

Mesothelioma statistics reveal only the count of patients who have already been diagnosed with this cancer. This number is between two to three thousand new cases every year. However, statistics is not able to show or anticipate the number of people who continue to slowly develop the cancer inside them. There is no statistical data to provide the probable number of mesothelioma patients in the coming future.

How Can This Statistical Data Be of Help?

There are government regulations that make the patients eligible for compensation. The statistical data helps in providing pertinent information regarding the disease for use in claims for compensations and lawsuits. Attorneys and lawyers can use the statistics to build cases for their clients.

About the Author: