Risk Factors
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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