Headlines - Analysis of Mandatory Reporting (MR) for Mesotheliomas in 2012: The First Year of Operation of the National System

By decree in January 2012, mesothelioma became the 31st disease subject to mandatory reporting. Its implementation is carried out within each region, in collaboration with the InVS Regional Unit (Cire), the Regional Health Agency (ARS), the Regional Cancer Network (RRC), and in conjunction with the National Mesothelioma Surveillance Program (PNSM) team in the relevant regions.

Epidemiological objectives: - To strengthen, based on reports from physicians, the surveillance of all mesotheliomas, complementing the PNSM, which covers exclusively pleural mesotheliomas in 21 departments; - To improve knowledge of occupational and environmental exposure factors through the implementation of "DO-Meso" surveys

Completeness of the DO Based on the estimated annual number of expected mesothelioma cases across all sites, ranging from 800 to 1,200 cases, it can be considered that at the national level, as of April 30, 2013, the DO had recorded 618 new cases of mesothelioma diagnosed in 2012, representing between 51% and 77% of expected cases. As of February 15, 2014, taking into account the 41 new cases from 2012 that were reported late, the national coverage rate increased by 5%, reaching between 56% and 82%. There are also significant differences in coverage rates by region. As of April 30, 2013, one-third of the regions were close to achieving full coverage (as in Burgundy). Conversely, some regions (such as Franche-Comté) had a lower level of coverage. However, the situation has since evolved further based on the reports received for each region.

"DO-Meso" Surveys These surveys are currently being tested in 8 volunteer metropolitan regions, including Franche-Comté. They are conducted by the Cire or local PNSM teams (as in the case of Franche-Comté). The objective is to assess the feasibility of these surveys and their relevance to meeting the goals of enhancing knowledge regarding exposure to asbestos and other fibers. A review will be conducted in 2015. The DO’s mesothelioma surveillance system is therefore still in the process of being structured and scaled up. The initial results are encouraging, but neither the completeness of the data nor the reporting timeframe has yet stabilized. Even more so than national data, regional data must therefore be used with caution. They reflect the status of notifications by region at the time of analysis and provide an indication of the minimum rate in the region.