Is Mesothelioma Deadly? 5 Things to Know About This Disease

You may have heard about mesothelioma, a rare but aggressive cancer. You may think it is becoming a thing of the past or could never affect you or your family. But this disease continues to affect thousands of people each year. And, yes, it is deadly.

The Basics of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma affects the tissue that surrounds most internal organs, including lungs, stomach and intestines. This disease has one clear cause: asbestos exposure. Exposure to even small amounts of this fibrous, naturally occurring substance can lead to mesothelioma over time. Asbestos was widely used in construction, automotive and other products for years. And asbestos also contaminates talc products like baby powders and cosmetics.

Asbestos and Mesothelioma Aren’t Going Away

The serious health risks associated with asbestos exposure have been known for generations. The naturally occurring fiber is the only known cause of mesothelioma, an incurable and deadly form of cancer of the lining of the lungs and internal organs. Legal and regulatory scrutiny of asbestos use has ramped up over the years — including a 2024 ban on chrysotile asbestos — but an alarming number of Americans continue to die from mesothelioma every year. While mesothelioma diagnosis rates have fallen among men, they have remained steady among women.