| Abstrakt: |
Background: Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a rare but lethal cancer strongly associated with asbestos exposure. This retrospective study examines mesothelioma trends and past asbestos exposure assessment in Emilia-Romagna, Northern Italy. Methods: Between 1996 and 2023, 3,513 cases of MM were recorded by the Regional Operating Center, predominantly in males (72%) and older than 65 years (79%). MM diagnosis was defined as certain, probable, and possible. Information concerning asbestos exposure was collected through an analytical questionnaire administered to patients or proxies and classified as occupational and non-occupational. Results: Occupational exposure accounted for 82% of cases, significantly increasing from 71% to 88% in the most recent period. A more accurate definition of occupational exposure indicates that specific exposure has gone from 49% in the first period to 62% and 58% in the last two periods; probable exposure decreased from 21% to 16%, while possible exposure decreased from 16% to 13%. Familiar exposure remained relatively constant at around 8%, environmental exposure slightly decreased from 4% to 2%, while non-occupational exposure remained stable at 2%. Among patients with exclusively occupational exposure (1,826 cases), 87% were male and aged between 65 and 75 years (36%) and 75+ (41%). Exposure rates for the province of residence see the province of Reggio Emilia with the highest occupational exposure rate (2.5 x 100,000 residents), followed by Ravenna (2.3 x 100,000 residents) and Parma and Piacenza, which have similar exposure rates with 2.2 x 100,000 residents. Occupational sectors such as construction, railway maintenance, and metalworking are identified as high-risk industries. Despite efforts to mitigate exposure, non-occupational and environmental exposures persist. The study highlights the importance of continuous surveillance and exposure monitoring to guide effective interventions and legal recognition of MM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
