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How Common is Multiple Myeloma?

Writer's picture: Polygon Health TeamPolygon Health Team

Updated: Oct 25, 2024


Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer that affects plasma cells, a type of white blood cell found in the bone marrow. Though it is a relatively rare condition, multiple myeloma has been gaining more attention as both diagnostic capabilities improve and awareness about blood cancers grows. How Common is Multiple Myeloma:

In the US, the chances of getting multiple myeloma (throughout your lifetime) is less than 1%. Roughly 1 in 103 for men and about 1 in 131 for women per Cancer.org. But it is also important to mention that each person's risk might be higher or lower than this, based on different risk factors. In this article, we’ll explore how common multiple myeloma is, who is most at risk, the trends in diagnosis, and why understanding its prevalence is important for early detection and effective treatment.


What is Multiple Myeloma?


Multiple myeloma occurs when abnormal plasma cells multiply uncontrollably in the bone marrow, leading to an overproduction of a specific protein known as monoclonal protein, or M-protein. These cancerous cells interfere with the production of normal blood cells, which can lead to a variety of symptoms, including bone pain, anemia, fatigue, kidney problems, and weakened immune function. If you are interested in diving deeper into multiple myeloma, then the Mayo Clinic does a good job.


But how common is multiple myeloma? Let’s take a closer look at the statistics, who is most affected by this disease, and why awareness about its prevalence matters.


Multiple Myeloma Prevalence: By the Numbers


Globally, multiple myeloma accounts for about 1.8% of all cancers. While that percentage may seem small, it results in a lot of people getting diagnosed with multiple myeloma each year. In the United States alone, approximately 35,000 new cases of multiple myeloma are diagnosed annually. According to the American Cancer Society, the lifetime risk of developing multiple myeloma for the average person is about 1 in 132, or 0.76%. Although these numbers may not place multiple myeloma among the most common cancers, its impact is far-reaching due to the complexity of the disease and its effects on the immune system, bones, and other organs.


Who is Most Affected by Multiple Myeloma?


When examining how common multiple myeloma is, it’s important to understand the demographics most affected by this condition. Multiple myeloma primarily strikes older adults, with the average age of diagnosis being 69 years old. It is very rare in individuals under the age of 45, and the risk of developing the disease increases significantly with age. As the global population continues to age and people live longer, the number of new cases is expected to rise.


In terms of gender, the data suggests that men are slightly more likely to develop multiple myeloma than compared to women. However, one of the most striking factors when looking at the prevalence of this disease is the racial disparity in its diagnosis.


Also, African Americans are nearly twice as likely to be diagnosed with multiple myeloma compared to white individuals. While the reasons for this increased risk (or what causes multiple myeloma) are not entirely understood, it’s believed that genetic factors could play a role.


Trends in Multiple Myeloma Diagnosis and Survival Rates


The incidence of multiple myeloma has been gradually increasing over the past few decades. This rise in diagnoses can be attributed in part to an aging population, as well as advances in diagnostic technology. Routine blood tests, imaging, and bone marrow biopsies have become more effective in detecting the disease at earlier stages, even before symptoms become apparent. If you are interested in learning about multiple myeloma blood tests, read our blog here.


However, while the number of diagnoses is increasing, treatment advancements have significantly improved survival rates for patients with multiple myeloma. In the past, multiple myeloma was considered an untreatable condition with a very poor prognosis. But in recent years, new therapies such as immunomodulatory drugs, proteasome inhibitors, and CAR T-cell therapy have extended survival times and improved the quality of life for many patients. The five-year survival rate for multiple myeloma has improved to about 57% today, compared to less than 30% in the 1970s. Early detection and more personalized treatment options have been key drivers of this improvement.


Some of the Risk Factors for Multiple Myeloma


While multiple myeloma is considered rare, certain factors increase the risk of developing the disease. These include:


  1. Age: As mentioned earlier, multiple myeloma is primarily a disease of older adults, with the highest rates of diagnosis occurring in those aged 65 and older.

  2. Gender: Men have a slightly higher risk of developing multiple myeloma compared to women.

  3. Race: African Americans are nearly twice as likely to be diagnosed with multiple myeloma than white individuals, although the reasons for this increased risk are not fully understood.

  4. Family history: Having a family member with multiple myeloma or other blood cancers can increase your risk of developing the disease.

  5. Exposure to certain chemicals: Long-term exposure to herbicides, insecticides, or other chemicals may raise the risk of multiple myeloma.

  6. Obesity: Some studies suggest that being overweight or obese may increase the risk of developing multiple myeloma.


While these factors may increase your risk, it’s important to remember that having one or more risk factors doesn’t guarantee that you will develop the disease. However, it’s crucial to remain vigilant, especially if you fall into any of these higher-risk categories.


The Importance of Early Detection


Early detection is crucial for improving treatment outcomes in multiple myeloma. Since multiple myeloma symptoms—such as bone pain, fatigue, and recurrent infections—can be mistaken for other conditions, it’s often diagnosed at a more advanced stage. By understanding how common multiple myeloma is and who is most at risk, healthcare providers can make earlier diagnoses, leading to better treatment outcomes.

Routine blood tests can help identify early signs of multiple myeloma, such as elevated levels of calcium or abnormal proteins in the blood. Imaging tests, like X-rays, MRIs, or PET scans, can detect bone damage caused by the disease. A bone marrow biopsy is often necessary to confirm a diagnosis. If detected early, multiple myeloma is often more manageable, and patients can receive treatment before the disease causes significant damage to the bones or kidneys.


What Can Be Done to Reduce the Risk?


While some risk factors for multiple myeloma, such as age and genetics, are beyond our control, there are steps individuals can take to reduce the risk of developing the disease or to catch it early:

  1. Regular medical checkups: Especially if you’re in a higher-risk group, staying on top of regular health screenings can help catch abnormalities in your blood work that could indicate the early stages of multiple myeloma.

  2. Healthy lifestyle choices: Maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption may reduce the risk of cancer and improve overall health.

  3. Avoiding chemical exposure: Limiting exposure to harmful chemicals, particularly in occupational settings, may reduce the risk of multiple myeloma and other cancers.


Conclusion: Raising Awareness About Multiple Myeloma


Multiple myeloma may be considered rare, but its prevalence is increasing, especially among older adults and certain racial groups. Understanding how common multiple myeloma is and recognizing the risk factors associated with the disease are crucial steps in promoting early detection and improving survival rates. With the advancements in treatment options, many patients are living longer and healthier lives, but raising awareness about this disease remains critical for further progress.


If you or someone you know is at risk for multiple myeloma, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice and consider routine screenings and visit Patient Connect. Early detection can make all the difference in treatment outcomes and quality of life.

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