Safe Work Australia report on new cases of mesothelioma

The recently released Safe Work Australia report ‘Mesothelioma in Australia Incidence: 1982-2006, Mortality 1997-2007’ provides data on the number of new cases of mesothelioma, which are collected nationally by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare in the National Cancer Statistics Clearing House. Information on deaths from mesothelioma is collected by AIHW as part of the National Mortality Database.

These data sources provide information to enable reporting on the number and incidence rates of new cases and deaths from mesothelioma by both age and sex. In addition, trends over time have been reported 1982-2006 for the number of new cases, and 1997-2007 for the number of deaths.

Findings of the report include:

• In 2006, there were 579 new cases of mesothelioma diagnosed in Australia, a reduction from 649 new cases reported in 2003. Over the period since 1982, the large majority of new cases involved men, accounting for 80-90% of new cases.
• In 2007, there were 551 deaths attributed to mesothelioma, the overall number generally increased over the period 1997-2007.

Safe Work Australia Chair Tom Phillips AM said that due to the long latency between exposure to asbestos and the onset of the disease, it has been estimated that the incidence of mesothelioma will not peak until after 2010: “The use of asbestos products has been regulated since the late 1970s; however, it is important that we track progress of this disease as we continue to see the effects of asbestos exposure.

“This extra information will aid Safe Work Australia and the Australian government to develop policies for best dealing with the legacy of asbestos in our buildings and other infrastructure.”

The new Australian Mesothelioma Registry, which was launched on 30 April 2010, will provide a more detailed and accurate source of information on mesothelioma and related asbestos exposure than has been possible in the past.