Abstract
Purpose
Using the epidemiological data of pleural cancer mortality, the authors estimated time trends and distribution of malignant mesothelioma in Italy during the period 1974–2006.
Methods
To describe temporal trends of the standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) in all the 20 Italian regions, we applied the Joinpoint Regression Model, developed by the National Cancer Institute (USA). The 107 provincial SMRs are represented on maps by using the Arcview GIS software (version 3.2).
Results
The high values from mesothelioma mortality in construction and shipbuilding sectors, previously reported, are confirmed by our analyses. Furthermore, data show that the annual percentage change is still growing: statistically significant increments in time trends are observed for 11 of 20 Italian regions. Of additional concern has been the identification of changes in 9 of 20 trends partially due to the misdiagnosis in the past.
Conclusions
Given the long latency of mesothelioma, preventive and legal measures with the ban of asbestos in Italy since 1992 are still not giving effects on mesothelioma mortality trends.
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Acknowledgments
We would like to thank Alessandro Marinaccio and Andrea Scarselli from Department of Occupational Medicine, Epidemiology Unit, INAIL—ex ISPESL, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Prevention, for their helpful aid in providing the national death certificate database.
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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.
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Gatto, M.P., Tanna, G.L.D. Distribution and trends in mesothelioma mortality in Italy from 1974 to 2006. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 86, 489–496 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-012-0780-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-012-0780-6