Introduction: Peritoneal mesothelioma, a very rare and lethal malignancy, has not been investigated as extensively as pleural mesothelioma, although the role of asbestos exposure in its occurrence is well-known. Data from Italy are relevant, as it was the largest European asbestos producer, and asbestos was widely used in many economic activities.
Methods: A population-based mortality and incidence analysis was performed in Italy. Data sources were the National Multiple-causes-of-death Database (1995-2010) and the Italian Mesothelioma Register (1993-2008).
Results: We found an increasing trend of age standardized mortality rates in men, but no clear trend in women; moreover, we showed significant risks of death in several northern regions, formerly heavy asbestos users; finally, mortality/incidence ratios similar for both genders (about 0.8) were estimated.
Conclusions: The study, based on national data, showed a higher risk of mortality from and incidence of peritoneal mesothelioma in areas with formerly heavy exposure to asbestos.
Keywords: asbestos; incidence; mesothelioma; mortality; peritoneal cancer; population study.
© 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.