Mesothelioma Incidence & Survival Statistics (2015–2025)
Content reviewed & data verified: March 8, 2026
Key Findings
- Approximately 3,000 new mesothelioma cases are diagnosed annually in the United States, a rate that has remained relatively stable since 2015.
- The 5-year relative survival rate is approximately 12%, though early-stage detection (Stage I) improves the 5-year rate to approximately 20%.
- Men account for roughly 80% of diagnoses, with median age at diagnosis of 72 years.
- Pleural mesothelioma (affecting the lung lining) accounts for approximately 75% of all cases.
- States with heavy industrial and shipbuilding histories — including California, Pennsylvania, and Florida — report the highest annual case counts.
Annual Incidence Rates (2015–2025)
Mesothelioma incidence in the United States has remained relatively stable over the past decade, with approximately 3,000 new cases diagnosed each year. The disease's long latency period — typically 20 to 50 years between asbestos exposure and diagnosis — means current cases largely reflect occupational exposures from the 1960s through 1980s.
| Year | Estimated New Cases | Rate per 100,000 | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2,980 | 0.89 | 2,640 |
| 2023 | 3,020 | 0.91 | 2,670 |
| 2022 | 3,050 | 0.92 | 2,700 |
| 2021 | 3,010 | 0.91 | 2,660 |
| 2020 | 2,960 | 0.90 | 2,620 |
| 2019 | 3,100 | 0.95 | 2,740 |
| 2018 | 3,080 | 0.94 | 2,720 |
| 2017 | 3,120 | 0.96 | 2,750 |
| 2016 | 3,090 | 0.95 | 2,730 |
| 2015 | 3,060 | 0.94 | 2,700 |
Source: SEER*Explorer, National Cancer Institute (seer.cancer.gov); CDC WONDER Mortality Database. Data through: 2021 (registry); 2022–2024 figures are ACS estimates.
Survival Rates by Stage at Diagnosis
Stage at diagnosis is the single most significant factor affecting mesothelioma survival. Patients diagnosed at earlier stages have substantially better outcomes, underscoring the importance of early detection for individuals with known asbestos exposure history. Note: Survival rates below are 5-year relative survival rates, which compare survival of cancer patients to the expected survival of similar people without cancer.
| Stage | Median Survival | 1-Year Survival | 5-Year Survival |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage I | 21 months | 73% | 20% |
| Stage II | 19 months | 65% | 15% |
| Stage III | 16 months | 47% | 8% |
| Stage IV | 12 months | 33% | 2% |
| All Stages | 14 months | 46% | 12% |
Source: American Cancer Society Cancer Facts & Figures (2024); SEER 18 Registries Database. Data through: 2020 (survival cohort).
Survival by Cell Type
Mesothelioma cell type also plays a significant role in prognosis. Epithelioid mesothelioma, the most common histological subtype, is associated with the best treatment response and longest survival times.
| Cell Type | % of Cases | Median Survival | Treatment Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epithelioid | 60–70% | 14–19 months | Best response to chemotherapy and surgery |
| Biphasic (Mixed) | 20–30% | 10–13 months | Varies by epithelioid/sarcomatoid ratio |
| Sarcomatoid | 10–15% | 7–10 months | Most resistant to standard treatments |
Source: Husain et al., Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine (2018); WHO Classification of Tumours, 5th Ed. (2021). Data through: 2021.
Demographic Breakdown
Mesothelioma predominantly affects older men, reflecting historical patterns of occupational asbestos exposure in male-dominated industries such as construction, shipbuilding, automotive manufacturing, and power generation.
Incidence by Gender
| Gender | % of Cases | Rate per 100,000 | Trend (2015–2024) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Male | ~80% | 1.45 | Gradual decline |
| Female | ~20% | 0.35 | Stable / slight increase |
Source: SEER*Explorer (seer.cancer.gov); Henley et al., MMWR Surveillance Summaries (2017;66:SS-12). Age-adjusted rates per 100,000. Data through: 2021.
Incidence by Age at Diagnosis
| Age Group | % of Diagnoses | Rate per 100,000 |
|---|---|---|
| Under 50 | 4% | 0.05 |
| 50–64 | 18% | 0.72 |
| 65–74 | 33% | 2.15 |
| 75–84 | 30% | 3.40 |
| 85+ | 15% | 2.90 |
Source: SEER*Explorer (seer.cancer.gov). Age-adjusted rates. Data through: 2021.
Incidence by Race & Ethnicity
Mesothelioma incidence rates vary significantly by race and ethnicity, reflecting differences in historical occupational exposure patterns.
| Race/Ethnicity | Rate per 100,000 (Male) | Rate per 100,000 (Female) | % of Total Cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| White (non-Hispanic) | 1.65 | 0.38 | ~90% |
| Black | 0.65 | 0.15 | ~5% |
| Hispanic | 0.55 | 0.13 | ~3% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.40 | 0.10 | ~2% |
Source: SEER*Explorer (seer.cancer.gov); Henley et al., MMWR (2017;66:SS-12). Age-adjusted rates. Data through: 2021.
Survival by Treatment Approach
Treatment significantly affects mesothelioma outcomes. Multimodal therapy — combining surgery, chemotherapy, and sometimes radiation — is associated with the longest survival times. Recent immunotherapy approvals have also expanded treatment options.
| Treatment | Median Survival | Key Details | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multimodal (surgery + chemo ± radiation) | 16–20 months | EPP or P/D with cisplatin/pemetrexed; best outcomes in epithelioid, Stage I–II | Taioli et al., J Thorac Oncol (2015) |
| Immunotherapy (nivolumab + ipilimumab) | 18.1 months | CheckMate 743 trial; FDA approved 2020; improved OS vs. chemo in non-epithelioid | Baas et al., Lancet (2021) |
| Chemotherapy alone (pemetrexed + cisplatin) | 12.1 months | Standard first-line regimen since 2004; best response in epithelioid | Vogelzang et al., JCO (2003) |
| Radiation therapy (adjuvant) | Varies (used with surgery) | Typically used post-surgery to reduce local recurrence; rarely used alone | Rusch et al., J Thorac Oncol (2012) |
| Best supportive care | 6–9 months | Symptom management without curative intent; for patients unable to tolerate treatment | ACS Cancer Facts & Figures (2024) |
| HIPEC (peritoneal mesothelioma) | 30–60 months | Cytoreductive surgery + heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy; peritoneal cases only | Yan et al., J Clin Oncol (2009) |
Source: Published clinical trial data as cited per row. Data through: 2024. Individual outcomes vary based on stage, cell type, patient health, and treatment center.
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States with extensive histories of industrial manufacturing, shipbuilding, mining, and power generation consistently report the highest mesothelioma case counts. The table below shows the 15 states with the highest average annual diagnoses.
| Rank | State | Avg. Annual Cases | Rate per 100,000 | Primary Exposure Sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 280 | 0.71 | Shipyards, refineries, construction |
| 2 | Florida | 230 | 1.07 | Shipyards, power plants, phosphate mining |
| 3 | Pennsylvania | 210 | 1.64 | Steel mills, shipyards, manufacturing |
| 4 | New York | 190 | 0.97 | Construction, shipyards, insulation |
| 5 | Texas | 185 | 0.64 | Refineries, shipyards, chemical plants |
| 6 | Ohio | 155 | 1.33 | Steel, automotive, manufacturing |
| 7 | Illinois | 140 | 1.10 | Steel, oil refineries, railroad |
| 8 | New Jersey | 130 | 1.46 | Shipyards, chemical plants, construction |
| 9 | Michigan | 120 | 1.20 | Automotive, construction, mining |
| 10 | Virginia | 110 | 1.29 | Naval shipyards, power plants |
| 11 | Massachusetts | 95 | 1.38 | Shipyards, construction, textiles |
| 12 | Washington | 90 | 1.18 | Shipyards, aluminum smelting, mining |
| 13 | North Carolina | 85 | 0.81 | Textiles, construction, power plants |
| 14 | Georgia | 80 | 0.75 | Textile mills, construction, military |
| 15 | Wisconsin | 75 | 1.29 | Paper mills, shipbuilding, manufacturing |
Source: CDC National Program of Cancer Registries; state cancer registries. Data through: 2021 (registry); 2022–2024 are estimates.
Mesothelioma by Anatomical Location
Mesothelioma is classified by the location in the body where the cancer develops. Pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs, is by far the most common form.
| Type | Location | % of Cases | Median Survival |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pleural | Lung lining | ~75% | 12–21 months |
| Peritoneal | Abdominal lining | ~20% | 12 mo (chemo only); 30–60 mo (with CRS/HIPEC) |
| Pericardial | Heart lining | ~1% | 6–10 months |
| Testicular | Tunica vaginalis | <1% | 20–24 months |
Source: Testa et al., CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians (2017); Kim et al., Annals of Translational Medicine (2017). Data through: 2017.
Methodology & Sources
All statistics presented on this page are compiled from the following primary data sources:
- SEER*Explorer (seer.cancer.gov) — National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program. The primary source for U.S. cancer incidence, survival, and mortality data. SEER collects data from population-based cancer registries covering approximately 48% of the U.S. population. Note: SEER uses Localized/Regional/Distant staging; TNM stage equivalents in this page are approximate mappings.
- CDC WONDER Mortality Database — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's detailed mortality data, including mesothelioma-specific ICD-10 codes (C45.0–C45.9).
- American Cancer Society Cancer Facts & Figures — Annual compilation of cancer statistics including estimated new cases and deaths.
- State Cancer Registry Reports — Individual state registries contributing to the National Program of Cancer Registries (NPCR).
Data on this page reflects the most recently available published statistics. Incidence and mortality figures are estimates based on registry data and may be subject to reporting delays of 1–2 years. Survival rates represent historical cohort data and may not reflect the most recent treatment advances.
Last verified: March 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year?
Approximately 3,000 Americans are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year, according to the National Cancer Institute's SEER database. Incidence rates have remained relatively stable over the past decade.
What is the average survival rate for mesothelioma?
The overall 5-year survival rate for mesothelioma is approximately 12%. However, outcomes vary significantly by stage at diagnosis: Stage I patients have a 5-year survival rate near 20%, while Stage IV patients have a rate of approximately 2%.
Where does this mesothelioma data come from?
All statistics on this page are sourced from peer-reviewed medical databases including the NCI's SEER Cancer Statistics Review, the CDC's National Program of Cancer Registries, and published medical literature. Each data point includes its specific source citation.
Who is most at risk for mesothelioma?
Men account for approximately 80% of mesothelioma diagnoses, largely due to historical occupational asbestos exposure in industries like construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing. The median age at diagnosis is 72, reflecting the disease's 20–50 year latency period.
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