What is Mesothelioma?   While Mesothelioma is fairly rare, there are an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 new cases per year of mesothelioma in the United States. This figure appears to be on the rise.   Mesothelioma is a serious disease. By the time the symptoms appear and cancer is diagnosed, the disease is often advanced. The average survival time is about one year.   The average age at diagnosis is 50 to 70 years old. The disease affects men 3 to 5 times more often than women. Mesothelioma is less common in African Americans than in Caucasians.   However, if the cancer is found early and treated aggressively, almost half of the patients whose cancer is found early reach the two-year mark, and about 20% survive five years.   The 5-year survival rate refers to the percent of patients who live at least 5 years after their cancer is diagnosed. Many of these patients live much longer than 5 years after diagnosis, and 5-year rates are used to produce a standard way of discussing prognosis.   Five-year relative survival rates exclude from the calculations patients dying of other diseases, and are considered to be a more accurate way to describe the prognosis for patients with a particular type and stage of cancer. Of course, 5-year survival rates are based on patients diagnosed and initially treated more than 5 years ago. Improvements in treatment often result in a more favorable outlook for recently diagnosed patients.   Our Mission   To provide useful information on Mesothelioma, available treatments and other resources of interest to mesothelioma patients and their families and other asbestos related injuries.   If you think that you have any of the symptoms related to mesothelioma you should contact a doctor immediately. If you have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma, or believe that you were exposed to asbestos while on the job, please contact a mesothelioma attorney or mesothelioma lawyer.   Site Map   Site Resources   Disclaimer   Notice: This website is intended to provide general information about mesothelioma, as well as some of its known causes. This website does not claim to be complete in its discussion of the diagnosis, treatment and causes of mesothelioma. Since mesothelioma has been linked to, among other things, work related exposure to asbestos, issues of legal liability may be present in certain circumstances.   The content of this web site has not been prepared or endorsed by any physicians or other licensed medical professionals. Nothing on this site should be taken as medical or legal advice. The purpose of this site is simply to provide patients and their families with useful information and access to other resources, which may be helpful. Patients are encouraged to consult with their physician for medical advice and with an attorney for legal advice.