Mesothelioma, as with other cancers, can happen to anyone at any age. If you believe you have it, do not use your age as an excuse to ignore it or neglect going to the doctor. Instead, go get a medical opinion so that you know where you stand.
That said, statistics make it clear that mesothelioma does not impact all age groups equally. What age groups are most likely to have it?
The elderly are most at risk
By far, this is a disease that most often impacts the elderly. Researchers have pinned the average age at which someone is diagnosed with this type of cancer to be 72. Since that’s an average, if you find cases where people have it at 50 or 40 years of age (or even earlier), know that there are also cases of people who don’t develop the disease until they are in their 80s and 90s, as well.
Why does it generally take until 72 years of age, on average, for mesothelioma to erupt? It seems that asbestos particles that can cause mesothelioma don’t do so instantly. Many people are exposed, feel fine for decades, and then finally develop the disease. You could have been exposed at work when you were in your 40s and simply never had any negative ramifications for 30+ years.
Age can make the situation harder
Getting a serious disease at this age can make it much harder on your body. Make sure you know what legal options you have. You may be able to seek compensation to help with your medical bills and/or to help your family during such a trying time. Family members of those who have passed away may also have similar options.