There is an unusual mesothelioma epidemic in Cappadocia, Turkey. An abstract published in Nature reports that an incredible 50% of deaths in three villiages were due to this form of cancer during the period studied. The area has natural deposits of the mineral erionite. Research showed that certain families were more likely to develop mesothelioma than others.
There were slightly fewer cancer deaths in the US in 2004 than in 2003. A minor drop, but it is somewhat good news. Mesothelioma remains intractable to treatment, however, and its incidence continues steady or a slight increase, due to the long latency time.The National Center for Health Statistics report actually shows that while cancer deaths did decline, other diseases such as strokes, influenza, and diabetes declined faster. The Pump Handle blog notes that the “cancer burden” on the living is important to consider also. Fewer people dying is great, and there are as many people as ever, or more getting cancer, meaning that the economic and psychological burden on people with the cancer and their families is increasing. The blog also notes that childhood cancer incidence has been steadily going up, although it is still low compared to rates of older adults.
