Deaths from mesothelioma, a rare cancer often caused by asbestos exposure, almost doubled to a record 953 in 2004 from 500 in 1995, according to government statistics.

The death toll for 2004 rose by 75 from 2003, according to the revised population statistics compiled by the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry.

Despite the large number of deaths reported for 2004, workers' compensation data shows that the government recognized that year only 127 people, or 13 percent, as having mesothelioma that was work-related, although most of the 953 victims are believed to have developed the disease due to asbestos-related work.