US EPA

3081661 

Journal Article 

Letter 

Trends in incidence of pleural mesothelioma in the Rotterdam area 

Damhuis, RAM; Planteydt, HT 

1995 

Yes 

International Journal of Cancer
ISSN: 0020-7136
EISSN: 1097-0215 

60 

6 

883 

English 

7896462 

10.1002/ijc.2910600627 

WOS:A1995QN87500026 

The results of an analysis of trends in the incidence of pleural mesothelioma in the Rotterdam, Netherlands area were summarized. Data were taken from the Rotterdam Cancer Registry (RCR) to identify all cases of pleural mesothelioma reported to the registry between 1987 and 1992. A total of 375 persons, 247 males, were diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma and reported to the RCR during this period. Only the male cases were analyzed due to the small number of female cases. Computation of age standardized incidence rates indicated that the incidence of pleural mesothelioma increased from 5.2 cases per 100,000 from 1987 through 1989 to 6.0 cases/100,000 during the period 1990 through 1992. When stratified by age at diagnosis, the largest increase in reported cases occurred in males who were 75 years or older. Small increases occurred in males who were 45 to 59 and 60 to 74 years old. In two cities in the general Rotterdam area, mortality from pleural mesothelioma accounted for more than 3% of the total mortality in the male population. The authors conclude that the data indicate that the peak of pleural mesothelioma incidence has not yet been reached. The data also show that the consequences of former asbestos (1332214) exposure can still be felt. Preventive measures produce results only after many years have passed.