Causes and risk factors of myeloma
Myeloma causes and risk factors
There are certain things that can increase the chance of developing myeloma. These are called risk factors. Having a risk factor does not mean you will get cancer. And not having risk factors does not mean you will not develop it.
In the UK, around 5,800 people are diagnosed with myeloma each year. Doctors do not know what causes myeloma, but having MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance) increases the risk of developing it. MGUS is a non-cancerous condition where the body makes an abnormal protein, called a paraprotein.
Almost everyone with myeloma has had MGUS first, but it may not be detected. But only a small number of people who have MGUS develop myeloma.
Like other cancers, myeloma is not infectious and cannot be passed on to other people.
If you are worried about myeloma and would like to talk to someone, we're here. You can:
- Call the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 00 00.
- Chat to our specialists online.
Age
Myeloma is more common in people over the age of 65. It is very rare in people under the age of 40.
Race
Myeloma is more than twice as common in black people than in white people.
Sex
Myeloma is slightly more common in men than in women.
Family history
People who have a close family member (such as a parent, brother or sister) with myeloma may have a very small increase in their risk of developing it. If you are worried about this, your doctor can explain what the risk might be.
Immune system conditions
Some health conditions can weaken the immune system, or cause the immune system to attack healthy cells in the body by mistake (autoimmune disease). These types of conditions may slightly increase the risk of developing myeloma.
Being overweight
Some research suggests that being overweight may increase the risk of developing myeloma. Keeping to a healthy body weight may reduce the risk of myeloma and other cancers.
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