In the U.S. alone, 3000 people are diagnosed with the disease each year. Although the use of asbestos has diminished massively since its link to this form of cancer was discovered, this number is expected to hold steady for some years yet.
The number of mesothelioma cases per year is, in part, related to the time it takes for it to be diagnosed after exposure to asbestos. It must also take into account that there are likely those who die from the disease without a diagnosis.