No one knows the exact causes of multiple myeloma. Doctors can seldom explain why one person develops this disease and another does not. However, we do know that multiple myeloma is not contagious. You cannot "catch" it from another person.

Research has shown that people with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop multiple myeloma. A risk factor is something that may increase the chance of developing a disease.

Studies have found the following risk factors for multiple myeloma:

• Age: Growing older increases the chance of developing multiple myeloma. Most people with myeloma are diagnosed after age 65. This disease is rare in people younger than 40.
• Race: The risk of multiple myeloma is highest among African Americans and lowest among Asian Americans. The reason for the difference between racial groups is not known.
• Personal history of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS): MGUS is a condition in which abnormal plasma cells make a low level of M proteins. MGUS is a benign condition, but it increases the risk of certain cancers, including multiple myeloma.

Scientists are studying other possible risk factors for multiple myeloma. Radiation, pesticides, hair dye, certain viruses, obesity, and diet are under study. But it is not clear that these factors are involved in the development of the disease. Researchers also are studying families in which more than one person has multiple myeloma. However, such families are extremely rare.

Most people who have known risk factors (being older, being African American, or having MGUS) do not get multiple myeloma. On the other hand, most people who do get the disease have no known risk factors. If you think you may be at risk, you should discuss this concern with your doctor.

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