Compensation of pleural mesothelioma in France: data from the French National Mesothelioma Surveillance Programme.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to determine the rates of compensation awarded to patients presenting with pleural mesothelioma and factors linked to such compensation in France.


METHODS
The study population consisted of 2,407 patients presenting with pleural mesothelioma, recorded by the National Mesothelioma Surveillance Programme between January 1, 1999 and December 31, 2009. Analysis of claims for recognition as "occupational disease" (OD) and claims for compensation by the Compensation Fund for Asbestos Victims (FIVA) were analyzed.


RESULTS
Approximately 30% of subjects presenting with pleural mesothelioma, affiliated to the General National Health Insurance fund, neither sought recognition as an OD nor claimed for FIVA compensation. Gender, age at diagnosis, type of health insurance, and socio-professional category influence the likelihood of patients presenting with mesothelioma seeking compensation for this disease.


CONCLUSIONS
Results show an under-compensation of pleural mesothelioma as OD and by the FIVA in France.
Institut Interuniversitaire de Médecine du Travail de Paris-Ile de France, Paris, France.
Soizick
S
Chamming's
Bénédicte
B
Clin
Patrick
P
Brochard
Philippe
P
Astoul
Stéphane
S
Ducamp
Fançoise
F
Galateau-Salle
Annabelle Gilg Soit
AG
Ilg
Marcel
M
Goldberg
Céline
C
Gramond
Ellen
E
Imbernon
Patrick
P
Rolland
Jean-Claude
JC
Pairon
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000633:toxicity; D001194:Asbestos / Q000633:toxicity; D035881:Compensation and Redress; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics; D005260:Female; D005602:France; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008654:Mesothelioma / Q000191:economics* / Q000209:etiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000191:economics* / Q000209:etiology; D010997:Pleural Neoplasms / Q000191:economics* / Q000209:etiology; D011159:Population Surveillance; D014942:Workers' Compensation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
D000393:Air Pollutants; D001194:Asbestos