Under-reporting of compensable mesothelioma in Alberta.
BACKGROUND
When combined with a history of occupational asbestos exposure, mesothelioma is often presumed work-related. In Canada, workers diagnosed with mesothelioma caused by occupational asbestos exposure are often eligible for compensation under provincial workers' compensation boards. Although occupational asbestos exposure causes the majority of mesothelioma, Canadian research suggests less than half of workers actually apply for compensation. Alberta's mandatory reporting requirements may produce higher filing rates but this is currently unknown. This study evaluates Alberta's mesothelioma filing and compensation rates.


METHODS
Demographic information on all mesothelioma patients diagnosed between 1980 and 2004 were extracted from the Alberta Cancer Board's Cancer Registry and linked to Workers' Compensation Board of Alberta claims data.


RESULTS
Alberta recorded a total of 568 histologically confirmed mesothelioma cases between 1980 and 2004. Forty-two percent of cases filed a claim; 83% of filed claims were accepted for compensation.


CONCLUSIONS
Patient under-reporting of compensable mesothelioma is a problem and raises larger questions regarding under-reporting of other asbestos-related cancers in Alberta. Strategies should focus on increasing filing rates where appropriate.
Cree
Marilyn W
MW
Department of Prevention, Alberta Cancer Board, Alberta, Canada. mcree@ualberta.ca
Lalji
Munira
M
Jiang
Bei
B
Carriere
Keumhee C
KC
D000368:Aged; D000416:Alberta; D001195:Asbestosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D018563:Disease Notification / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D004608:Eligibility Determination / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007344:Insurance Claim Reporting / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007345:Insurance Claim Review; D008297:Male; D008654:Mesothelioma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D010534:Peritoneal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology; D010997:Pleural Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology; D012042:Registries; D014942:Workers' Compensation / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*