Epidemiological Trends in Mesothelioma Mortality in Colombia (1997-2022): A Retrospective National Study.

BACKGROUND

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer primarily caused by asbestos exposure. In Colombia, asbestos use began in 1942, but mortality surveillance remains limited. Long latency periods and poor documentation hinder public health action.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective descriptive study was conducted using mortality data from 1997 to 2022 obtained from the National Administrative Department of Statistics (DANE), including all mesothelioma cases recorded under the five ICD-10 diagnostic categories (C45.0 to C45.9), covering all anatomical sites of first occurrence. Variables analyzed included sex, age, occupation, and place of residence. Mortality rates and trends were estimated using R, Excel, JoinPoint, and Minitab.

RESULTS

A total of 1539 mesothelioma deaths were recorded. Most occurred in men (65.1%) and in individuals over 60 years old (62.6%). Urban areas accounted for 92% of deaths. The most frequent diagnosis was unspecified mesothelioma (61.3%). Cities with the highest adjusted mortality rates per 100,000 inhabitants were Sibaté (38.36), Soacha (8.41), and Bogotá (1.89), aligning with historical exposure zones.

CONCLUSIONS

Mesothelioma is still a preventable public health issue in Colombia, with sustained mortality affecting even working-age populations. The high rate of unspecified diagnoses and weak linkage between morbidity and mortality data underscore the need to strengthen diagnostic capacity, improve surveillance, and implement a national asbestos-related disease elimination strategy.