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