Myeloma

Myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells. In myeloma, the cells overgrow, forming a mass or tumor that is located in the bone marrow. Bone marrow is the spongy tissue found in the center of the bone, where red cells, white blood cells, and platelets are made.

Risk Factors

Age is the most significant risk factor for developing myeloma.¹ People under the age of 45 years rarely develop the disease, while those aged 67 years or older are at greatest risk of developing myeloma.² Men are more likely than women to develop myeloma, and myeloma is about twice as common among African Americans as among Caucasians.³ In rare cases, exposure to radiation may be a risk factor for developing myeloma.¹ Finally, some studies have suggested that workers in petroleum-related industries may be at a higher risk for developing myeloma.⁴

Statistics

In 2008 (the most recent year numbers are available)—

• 17,907 people in the United States were diagnosed with myeloma, including 9,859 men and 8,048 women.*†
• 10,606 people in the United States died from myeloma, including 5,819 men and 4,787 women.*†

*Incidence and death counts cover approximately 100% of the U.S. population.

†Source: U.S. Cancer Statistics Working Group. United States Cancer Statistics: 1999–2008 Incidence and Mortality Web-based Report. Atlanta (GA): Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and National Cancer Institute; 2012. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/uscs. (full site)