What Causes Myeloma?

We know that multiple myeloma develops when genetic "errors" occur in the DNA of plasma cells (a type of white blood cell produced in the bone marrow), causing them to multiply uncontrollably and overproduce one type antibody (immunoglobulin).

We also know what happens when these "errors" occur. Yet, despite the tremendous amount of work devoted to searching for their cause, we don't yet fully understand why these errors occur.

Current knowledge suggests possible associations between myeloma and a decline in immune function, genetic factors and environmental factors.

It's important to remember that having one or more risk factors does not mean a person will definitely get myeloma. Most people who develop myeloma have no clear risk factors. The causes of myeloma are likely to be unique to each patient, in the majority of cases. Myeloma may be the result of complex interactions between several factors.

Age	The single most significant risk factor for multiple myeloma 96% of cases are diagnosed in people over the age of 45 The average age at diagnosis is the early 60s 75% of cases involve people over the age of 70
Genetic Factors	Myeloma is NOT inherited in the same way as some other diseases (such as those caused by a single inherited gene) There is a slightly higher incidence of myeloma among first degree relatives of patients Some inherited genetic "errors" can increase the likelihood of developing myeloma, but they have a very small effect Myeloma is slightly more common in men than in women
Environmental Factors	Higher-than-average risk occupations: Agricultural, petroleum and leather industry workers Firefighters Cosmetologists Risk is increased with exposure to certain types of agricultural and industrial chemicals: Herbicides Insecticides Petroleum products Heavy metals Plastics Various dusts (ie, asbestos, etc.) Exposure to large amounts of radiation (survivors of the atomic bomb explosion in Japan)

Age

The single most significant risk factor for multiple myeloma

96% of cases are diagnosed in people over the age of 45

The average age at diagnosis is the early 60s

75% of cases involve people over the age of 70

Genetic
Factors

Myeloma is NOT inherited in the same way as some other diseases (such as those caused by a single inherited gene)

There is a slightly higher incidence of myeloma among first degree relatives of patients

Some inherited genetic "errors" can increase the likelihood of developing myeloma, but they have a very small effect

Myeloma is slightly more common in men than in women

Environmental
Factors

Higher-than-average risk occupations:
- Agricultural, petroleum and leather industry workers
- Firefighters
- Cosmetologists

Risk is increased with exposure to certain types of agricultural and industrial chemicals:
- Herbicides
- Insecticides
- Petroleum products
- Heavy metals
- Plastics
- Various dusts (ie, asbestos, etc.)

Exposure to large amounts of radiation (survivors of the atomic bomb explosion in Japan)

For more information, download the Multiple Myeloma Patient Handbook

Designed to provide educational support to patients, caregivers, families, and friends, this handbook gives accurate, reliable, and clear information on myeloma. Topics cover its causes and effects, how it is diagnosed and the treatment options available in Canada.

DOWNLOAD IT NOW

ADDITIONAL EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

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What Causes Myeloma?

For more information, download the Multiple Myeloma Patient Handbook

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What Causes Myeloma?

For more information, download the Multiple Myeloma Patient Handbook

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