Fact 2: Prevalence of the Disease
When one hears about cancer, common names like breast cancer or lung cancer often come to mind. However, multiple myeloma, while less discussed, holds its significance in the oncology world. It’s a cancer that affects a significant number of people worldwide, even if it’s not always in the headlines.
In terms of statistics, multiple myeloma accounts for approximately 1% of all cancer cases globally. This percentage might seem small, but when looked at in sheer numbers, it translates to thousands of individuals. In the United States alone, roughly 30,000 new diagnoses are made annually. These figures highlight the importance of continuous research and awareness campaigns.
Delving deeper, certain demographic groups appear more susceptible to multiple myeloma. While the reasons are multifaceted and sometimes unclear, age seems to be a substantial risk factor. Individuals over 60 are more commonly diagnosed with the disease. Additionally, it’s observed that men are slightly more likely to develop multiple myeloma than women.
On the genetic front, those with a family history of the disease might be at a higher risk. However, it’s essential to note that most multiple myeloma patients have no family history, making it challenging to rely solely on genetics for prediction. Environmental factors and exposure to specific chemicals have also been speculated to increase the risk. (2)
