Peritoneal mesothelioma mortality in Italy: Spatial analysis and search for asbestos exposure sources

Cancer Epidemiol. 2019 Jun:60:162-167. doi: 10.1016/j.canep.2019.04.001. Epub 2019 Apr 25.

Abstract

Background: This study is part of a national plan of epidemiological surveillance of malignant mesothelioma (MM) mortality in Italy. The paper shows the results of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPeM) mortality study in Italian Regions and municipalities.

Methods: National Bureau of Statistics data for MPeM municipal mortality (ICD-10, Code C45.1) were analyzed in the time-window 2003-2014: mortality standardized rates (reference Italian population, census 2011), temporal trends of the annual national rates, Standardized Mortality Ratios and a municipal clustering analysis were performed.

Results: 747 deaths for MPeM were recorded (0.10/100,000): 464 in men (0.14/100,000) and in 283 women (0.07/100,000). No significant MPeM mortality temporal trend was found. Seventeen municipalities showed excesses of mortality for MPeM in at least one gender and/or overall population. Four clusters in male population, and one in women were identified.

Conclusions: The study identifies some areas where remediation activities and/or health care actions may be warranted.

Keywords: Asbestos; Epidemiological surveillance; Italy; Mortality; Peritoneal mesothelioma.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Asbestos / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Italy
  • Lung Neoplasms / epidemiology*
  • Lung Neoplasms / mortality
  • Male
  • Mesothelioma / epidemiology*
  • Mesothelioma / mortality
  • Mesothelioma, Malignant
  • Middle Aged
  • Peritoneal Neoplasms / epidemiology*
  • Peritoneal Neoplasms / mortality
  • Spatial Analysis

Substances

  • Asbestos