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There are an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma diagnosed per year in the United States. The incidence of mesotheliomas in the United States peaked in the 20-year pared from 1970 to 1990 and then stabilized.

Mesothelioma is less common in African Americans than in white Americans. The incidence of Mesothelioma increases with age. Most patients are male and over the age of 65. The disease is is 5 times more common in men than in women. Mesothelioma is rare in people under the age of 55.

Australia has one of the highest rates of mesothelioma in the world. This is due to the high rate of asbestos use and mining in Australia over many years. Up to 600 mesothelioma cases are diagnosed each year in Australia. The high incidence of the disease is not expected to decline in the short term.

Asbestos fibre production began in the 1880's and Asbestos was extensively mined in Western Australia (Wittenoom 1938-1966) and New South Wales (Baryulgil 1940-1979). Asbestos fibre was also imported from South Africa and North America.

It is estimated that One in three homes built in Australia between 1840 to 1987 contains some form of asbestos and nearly all public buildings such as hospitals and schools. Over 3,500 products containing asbestos were readily available in Australia. While Asbestos production and use has largely ceased, asbestos can still be found in the following:

• Building materials such as asbestos-cement sheeting (fibro) and paints
  
  
• Motor vehicle parts such as break linings and gaskets
  
  
• Electrical products such as hair dryers and air conditioners.
  
  
• Some textiles such as felts
  

According to professor Henderson of Flinders University, the number of people diagnosed with asbestos related diseases will not peak until 2020 by then there will be 13,000 cases of mesothelioma and up to 40,000 cases of asbestos-related lung cancer, amounting to 53,000 cases of incurable cancer caused by asbestos over the next 20 years.

Medical research may offer some hope for sufferers of this incurable disease. Australia is one of the most active countries in mesothelioma research. Several research programs are currently being conducted nationwide. Recently, Australian researchers developed a new screening procedure which could help people worldwide in the early detection of mesothelioma. Several Australian organisations which offer information and support for victims and their families of mesothelioma and asbestos related diseases.