Mesothelioma is a fairly rare form of cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, there are an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 new cases per year of the disease in the United States, but this figure seems to be rising. This apparent rise in the number of cases may be caused by the fact that house and buildings constructed in the 1940's used a great deal of asbestoses for insulation and fire retardant materials.