April 6th, 2007

According to the claims of a medic from an Australian University, predictions that have been made regarding the future levels of the asbestos related cancer mesothelioma have been underestimated. Information is to be presented by epidemiologist Dr. Mark Clements from the National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health at the Australian National University.

According to the new information from the doctor and his colleagues, it will actually be four years later than estimated when the peak of the mesothelioma epidemic will strike, which means that figures are set to go higher than originally thought. Meosthelioma is a form of cancer that is directly linked to exposure to asbestos, and for which there is currently no cure.

The current estimations are that the mesothelioma epidemic will peak in 2010. Researchers admit that further investigation into various factors is requierd before any firm conclusion with regards to a later date for this peak can be made, but state that based on current research the epidemic could peak in as late as 2017, and could affect many more people than originally estimated.

Dr. Clements stated: "There is reasonable evidence that the peak of mesothelioma incidence is later than 2010. This has far reaching consequences for actuarial predictions, where the number of cases out to 2060 may be in excess of 35 percent higher than the number predicted by KPMG's model."