Almost 700 Australians died from Mesothelioma in 2018

At least 699 people died during 2018 from the aggressive cancer mesothelioma, which is predominantly caused by asbestos exposure, according to a new report released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).

The report, Mesothelioma in Australia 2018, also reveals that 662 new diagnoses of mesothelioma have been recorded for 2018, with the age of the people diagnosed ranging from 22 to 101 years.

‘Despite the use of all forms of asbestos being banned in Australia from 2004, hundreds of Australians are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year,’ said AIHW spokesperson Mr Justin Harvey.

‘Mesothelioma occurs in the mesothelium protective lining on the inside of body cavities and the outside of internal organs. Due to its aggressive nature, most cases of mesothelioma have a poor prognosis.’

Read more on this story at: https://www.aihw.gov.au/news-media/media-releases/2019/august/almost-700-australians-died-from-mesothelioma-in-2