Mesothelioma is a diagnosis that is a shock to receive. It’s a rare form of cancer which is caused by exposure to asbestos from the past. What is not apparent, however, is just how much time can pass between the first exposure and the diagnosis.
What is the average age of a person diagnosed with mesothelioma? We will take a closer look at that age and why understanding the latency can make a difference for those facing the challenges of mesothelioma.
A Disease Decades in the Making
Mesothelioma does not spontaneously happen. This disease is caused by exposure to asbestos, which was widely used in building materials, automotive parts, insulation and components of equipment such as valves, pumps, turbines and boilers. Throughout the 20th century, those who worked at shipyards and oil refineries, in construction and the HVAC trades as well as auto mechanics, have likely been exposed to asbestos. For a long time, asbestos was used for its fire-resistant properties and strength-creating properties. Unfortunately, when microscopic asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can lodge in the lungs, heart, or abdomen lining. Over time, that can lead to the development of mesothelioma and lung cancer.
However, fibers lodged in the body do not turn into cancer overnight. In fact, mesothelioma has one of the longest latency periods of any cancer. There are often 15 to 60 years between initial exposure to asbestos and the appearance of symptoms.
For that reason, most people who are diagnosed today were exposed in the 1950’s, 60s, 70s, or 80s.
According to the American Cancer Association, the average age of diagnosis is 72. The damage from exposure to asbestos is a slow-burning timeline that can go unnoticed for half a lifetime.
History of Asbestos in and around the Philadelphia Area
During its industrial peak, asbestos use was rampant in Philadelphia’s shipbuilding, construction, and manufacturing industries. This holds true for all of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. For example, the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard was a massive hub of work across all trades up through the 1990s. It employed thousands of civilian workers who handled asbestos containing products and equipment which contained asbestos both aboard ships and on land. Such products included not just insulation, but gasket material, rope packing and fireproofing materials, among others, which were often used in equipment such as valves, pumps, shipbuilding and overhaul generally, boilers and turbines to name a few. Protective gear was not supplied as the companies who made the products and equipment put profits over people, and while knowing the health effects of breathing asbestos dust, chose not to warn the workers working with the same.
Asbestos was also woven into the very infrastructure of Philadelphia and its surrounding counties and throughout the state as well as in New Jersey, Delaware, New York and beyond. Countless workplaces such as refineries, power generating stations, steel mills, paper mills, etc. in addition to the building and renovation of homes, office buildings, and schools into the 1990s employed asbestos products and many still contain asbestos materials today. Unfortunately, the microscopic fibers become airborne and deadly when these materials generated dust upon installation, in repair and more currently, as they deteriorate or are disturbed in renovations.
Who Is at Risk?
The age range during which people are most typically diagnosed with mesothelioma (and lung cancers as well which are related to asbestos) aligns with specific generations of workers. These individuals were exposed in manufacturing, construction, shipbuilding, automotive work or the military during the height of asbestos use.
The era of asbestos use occurred both before and after safety protocols were in place and included products such as brake pads, drywall compounds, , boilers, floor tiles, and even household appliances.
As a result, men are diagnosed with mesothelioma more often than women. This said, women and children of people who worked with asbestos are not immune from the disease. Many were exposed indirectly by laundering contaminated clothing, hugging their fathers as they returned from work in soiled work clothing or working in buildings with asbestos.
Why Age Matters in Diagnosis and Treatment
Sometimes, the age at which mesothelioma is diagnosed has some challenges. With an average age at diagnosis of 72, many patients are dealing with other age-related health concerns. This can include diabetes, heart disease, and decreased lung function. All these diseases can complicate treatment options. Noteworthy, smoking has no relationship to the development of mesothelioma and even if a period is diagnosed with lung cancer and also smoked, this just made the likelihood of developing lung cancer even more likely.
When at an age north of 70, for example, aggressive surgery might not be suitable as it could be for a younger patient. Doctors will weigh the risks and benefits of treatment for each patient. Their goal is to preserve quality of life while extending it as long as possible.
The Emotional Impact on Families
Mesothelioma does not affect only the patient. This disease affects the entire family. Often, children and spouses, as caregivers, are also managing the emotional weight of the diagnosis and the time and attention that is needed to attend doctor’s visits, manage symptoms at home and lend support to the heavy emotions that come with a cancer diagnosis. The caregivers of the families are also stressed and exhausted much of the time.
Along with the day-to-day caregiving, the families of those with the disease face the realization that their loved one was exposed to a known hazard that could have been prevented.
Legal and Financial Support for Older Patients
Many mesothelioma patients may be eligible for compensation due to the negligence of companies that used or manufactured asbestos products. Legal action cannot undo the damage but can provide much-needed financial support for medical care, in-home assistance, and end-of-life planning.
Moving Forward with Compassion and Clarity
Unfortunately, with the average mesothelioma diagnosis at 72, it can leave you with limited treatment options. However, early detection, occupational awareness, and family support can lead to a better outcome. From specialized cancer centers to legal advocates to community support groups, there are resources out there designed to help you make the most of the time ahead.
Regardless of age at diagnosis of mesothelioma, you still have legal options if you or a loved one has been affected. Reach out to Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan to learn more.