Mesothelioma, a devastating cancer primarily linked to asbestos exposure, is experiencing a concerning surge in the United States. This article explores the states most susceptible to mesothelioma and its critical implications.

The Harsh Reality of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma ranks among the deadliest cancers, boasting a bleak five-year survival rate of just twelve percent. In stark contrast, the overall five-year survival rate for all cancers stands at a more promising 68 percent. This stark contrast underscores the gravity of this aggressive disease.

Asbestos: The Culprit Behind Mesothelioma

The leading cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. While asbestos use has significantly diminished since the 1980s, it still lurks in older structures, posing a latent threat to unsuspecting individuals.

States with the Highest Risk of New Mesothelioma Cases

During the 2015-2019 period, over 15,000 new mesothelioma cases were reported in the US. Alaska and Maine emerged as the states with the highest age-adjusted rates of new cases, with 1.3 per 100,000 people – nearly double the national rate of 0.7. In contrast, Hawaii reported the lowest rate at 0.4 per 100,000 people.

Mesothelioma Death Rates Across States

During the same timeframe, 12,431 people succumbed to mesothelioma. Delaware recorded the highest death rate at 1.1 per 100,000 people – almost twice the national average of 0.6. Conversely, Arkansas, Georgia, Hawaii, and South Dakota displayed the lowest death rates at 0.4 per 100,000.

Declining Mesothelioma Death Rates

While mesothelioma death rates have generally decreased across the US since 1999, the annual death counts have risen. This paradox can be attributed to population growth and the prolonged latency period of mesothelioma. Furthermore, advancements in treatment have contributed to an improved five-year survival rate, currently standing at twelve percent.

Top 10 States with Highest Mesothelioma Rates

Let's delve into the states facing the highest risk of mesothelioma:

1. Maine

• New Mesothelioma Cancer Rate: 1.3 per 100,000 (131 new cases)
• Mesothelioma Death Rate: 1.1 per 100,000 (106 deaths)

2. Delaware

• New Mesothelioma Cancer Rate: 1.2 per 100,000 (72 new cases)
• Mesothelioma Death Rate: 1.1 per 100,000 (67 deaths)

3. Minnesota

• New Mesothelioma Cancer Rate: 1.2 per 100,000 (373 new cases)
• Mesothelioma Death Rate: 1.1 per 100,000 (317 deaths)

4. Alaska

• New Mesothelioma Cancer Rate: 1.3 per 100,000 (41 new cases)
• Mesothelioma Death Rate: 0.9 per 100,000 (28 deaths)

5. Washington

• New Mesothelioma Cancer Rate: 1.1 per 100,000 (440 new cases)
• Mesothelioma Death Rate: 1.0 per 100,000 (396 deaths)

6. Louisiana

• New Mesothelioma Cancer Rate: 1.2 per 100,000 (330 new cases)
• Mesothelioma Death Rate: 0.9 per 100,000 (252 deaths)

7. West Virginia

• New Mesothelioma Cancer Rate: 1.2 per 100,000 (148 new cases)
• Mesothelioma Death Rate: 0.9 per 100,000 (114 deaths)

8. Idaho

• New Mesothelioma Cancer Rate: 1.1 per 100,000 (107 new cases)
• Mesothelioma Death Rate: 1.0 per 100,000 (94 deaths)

9. Montana

• New Mesothelioma Cancer Rate: 1.2 per 100,000 (85 new cases)
• Mesothelioma Death Rate: 0.9 per 100,000 (65 deaths)

10. Wisconsin

• New Mesothelioma Cancer Rate: 1.1 per 100,000 (393 new cases)
• Mesothelioma Death Rate: 0.8 per 100,000 (338 deaths)

10 States with the Lowest Mesothelioma Rates

Conversely, these states exhibit the lowest mesothelioma rates:

1. Hawaii

• New Mesothelioma Cancer Rate: 0.4 per 100,000 (38 new cases)
• Mesothelioma Death Rate: 0.4 per 100,000 (36 deaths)

2. South Dakota

• New Mesothelioma Cancer Rate: 0.6 per 100,000 (31 new cases)
• Mesothelioma Death Rate: 0.4 per 100,000 (25 deaths)

3. Arkansas

• New Mesothelioma Cancer Rate: 0.6 per 100,000 (116 new cases)
• Mesothelioma Death Rate: 0.4 per 100,000 (85 deaths)

4. Georgia

• New Mesothelioma Cancer Rate: 0.6 per 100,000 (298 new cases)
• Mesothelioma Death Rate: 0.4 per 100,000 (226 deaths)

5. New Mexico

• New Mesothelioma Cancer Rate: 0.6 per 100,000 (80 new cases)
• Mesothelioma Death Rate: 0.5 per 100,000 (70 deaths)

6. Alabama

• New Mesothelioma Cancer Rate: 0.6 per 100,000 (184 new cases)
• Mesothelioma Death Rate: 0.5 per 100,000 (140 deaths)

7. North Dakota

• New Mesothelioma Cancer Rate: 0.6 per 100,000 (29 new cases)
• Mesothelioma Death Rate: 0.6 per 100,000 (27 deaths)

8. Nebraska

• New Mesothelioma Cancer Rate: 0.6 per 100,000 (69 new cases)
• Mesothelioma Death Rate: 1.0 per 100,000 (61 deaths)

9. Kansas

• New Mesothelioma Cancer Rate: 0.6 per 100,000 (106 new cases)
• Mesothelioma Death Rate: 0.6 per 100,000 (103 deaths)

10. Kentucky

• New Mesothelioma Cancer Rate: 0.7 per 100,000 (175 new cases)
• Mesothelioma Death Rate: 0.5 per 100,000 (138 deaths)

Counties with the Highest Mesothelioma Rates

Certain counties face an even greater mesothelioma risk. Here are the top 10 counties with the highest rates:

1. Jefferson Parish, Louisiana

• Population: 2,177,527
• New Mesothelioma Cancer Rate: 2.6 per 100,000
• Mesothelioma Death Rate: 2.1 per 100,000

2. Jackson County, Mississippi

• Population: 720,002
• New Mesothelioma Cancer Rate: 2.4 per 100,000
• Mesothelioma Death Rate: 2.1 per 100,000

3. Kitsap County, Washington

• Population: 1,331,404
• New Mesothelioma Cancer Rate: 2.4 per 100,000
• Mesothelioma Death Rate: 2.0 per 100,000

4. New London County, Connecticut

• Population: 1,339,159
• New Mesothelioma Cancer Rate: 2.1 per 100,000
• Mesothelioma Death Rate: 2.2 per 100,000

5. Gloucester County, New Jersey

• Population: 1,456,501
• New Mesothelioma Cancer Rate: 2.3 per 100,000
• Mesothelioma Death Rate: 1.7 per 100,000

6. Butler County, Pennsylvania

• Population: 935,900
• New Mesothelioma Cancer Rate: 2.2 per 100,000
• Mesothelioma Death Rate: 1.5 per 100,000

7. York County, Maine

• Population: 1,022,712
• New Mesothelioma Cancer Rate: 1.9 per 100,000
• Mesothelioma Death Rate: 1.5 per 100,000

8. Camden County, New Jersey

• Population: 2,534,555
• New Mesothelioma Cancer Rate: 1.9 per 100,000
• Mesothelioma Death Rate: 1.4 per 100,000

9. Somerset County, New Jersey

• Population: 1,651,105
• New Mesothelioma Cancer Rate: 1.8 per 100,000
• Mesothelioma Death Rate: 1.5 per 100,000

10. Niagara County, New York

• Population: 1,054,720
• New Mesothelioma Cancer Rate: 1.6 per 100,000
• Mesothelioma Death Rate: 1.6 per 100,000

Reducing the Risk: Key Strategies

Asbestos exposure remains the primary trigger for mesothelioma. To mitigate your risk:

• Exercise caution when dealing with asbestos-containing materials in older structures.
• Seek professional assistance for asbestos removal or renovation projects.
• If working with asbestos, always wear proper protective gear and undergo training.
• If you suspect asbestos-related risks at your workplace, report the issue to your employer or health and safety regulator.

Data and Methodology

Mesothelioma data from 2015-2019 for each state and county were sourced from the US Department of Health and Human Services, CDC, and the National Cancer Institute. Rankings for states and counties were determined based on death rates and rates of new cancer cases, with tiebreakers utilizing the total number of deaths and new cases.