Editing Survival Statistics (section)

== How Do Demographic Factors Influence Survival? ==

Patient demographics significantly affect mesothelioma outcomes, with notable disparities by gender and age.<ref>[https://mesothelioma.net/mesothelioma-life-expectancy/ Mesothelioma Life Expectancy and Survival Rate], Mesothelioma.net</ref>

'''Gender Disparity:''' Women demonstrate approximately 50% better 5-year survival (19-21%) compared to men (8-9%).<ref>[https://www.mesotheliomalawyercenter.org/blog/new-study-shows-higher-survival-rate-among-women-mesothelioma/ Study Shows Higher Mesothelioma Survival Rates in Women], Mesothelioma Lawyer Center</ref> This difference may reflect hormonal factors, later average age at diagnosis for women, different exposure patterns (often secondary exposure through household contact), and higher likelihood of epithelioid histology in female patients.

'''Age at Diagnosis:''' Patients diagnosed before age 50 show 75% one-year survival compared to 44% for those over 65.<ref>[https://mesothelioma.net/mesothelioma-death-rate/ Mesothelioma Death Rate], Mesothelioma.net</ref> Younger patients more often tolerate aggressive multimodal treatment including surgery, improving their long-term outcomes.

'''Performance Status:''' Patients with good functional status (ECOG 0-1) consistently demonstrate better treatment tolerance and survival across all mesothelioma types and stages.<ref>[https://dandell.com/mesothelioma-veterans/ Veterans & Mesothelioma Claims], Danziger & De Llano</ref>

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| style="padding:15px 20px 10px; font-style:italic; font-size:1.05em; line-height:1.5; color:#333333;" | "When my father was diagnosed, we felt overwhelmed by the statistics. What we learned is that every case is different, and getting to a specialized center made all the difference in his care and our family's peace of mind."
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| style="padding:5px 25px 20px; text-align:right; color:#333333;" | '''— David Foster,''' Client Advocate, Danziger & De Llano
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