Multiple myeloma risk factors

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

While, exact etiology is not known, a few risk factors have been established and need to be evaluated while dealing with a case of multiple myeloma.

Risk Factors

While the exact cause of multiple myeloma is not known, clinical data has suggested that the development of multiple myeloma is related to several factors.

• Age: Age is the biggest risk factor for multiple myeloma. Most cases are found in people older than 65.
• Plasma cell diseases: Studies show patients with other plasma cell diseases will develop multiple myeloma later.
• Radiation exposure: Cases reports demonstrate exposure to radiation may increase the risk of multiple myeloma.
• Exposure on oil-related industries: Some studies suggest that workers in some oil-related industries may be at a higher risk.
• Family history: Some data suggest multiple myeloma seems to run in some families. But most patients have no other relatives with the disease.
• Life-style: A study by the American Cancer Society found that being overweight increases a person's risk of developing multiple myeloma.
• Race: Epidemiological data show multiple myeloma is almost twice as common among black Americans as white Americans.
• Gender: Men are slightly more likely to get multiple myeloma than women.