Risk Factors

A risk factor is anything that increases a person’s chance of developing cancer. Some risk factors can be controlled, such as smoking, and some cannot be controlled, such as age and family history. Although risk factors can influence the development of cancer, most do not directly cause cancer. Some people with several risk factors never develop cancer, while others with no known risk factors do. However, knowing your risk factors and communicating them to your doctor may help you make more informed lifestyle and health-care choices.

The causes of myeloma are not known or well understood, and there are currently no known ways to prevent it. There are also no strong risk factors for myeloma. Mutations in plasma cells are acquired, not inherited, so having a relative with the disease usually does not mean another family member is at higher risk for developing it. There appears to be a very slight increase in the incidence of the disease in first-degree relatives (parents or siblings) of people with multiple myeloma, but this link is controversial.

The following factors can raise a person's risk of developing myeloma:

Age. Myeloma occurs most commonly in people over 60. The average age at diagnosis is 70. Only 2% of cases occur in people under 40.

Race. Myeloma occurs twice as frequently in black people than in white people for unclear reasons.

Exposure to radiation and chemicals. People who have been exposed to radiation or to asbestos, benzene, pesticides, and other chemicals used in rubber manufacturing may be at higher risk for developing myeloma.

Individual history. People with a history of a solitary plasmacytoma are at greater risk for developing multiple myeloma.

Monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (MGUS). This is when a person has a low level of a certain protein in his or her blood, called the M protein. People with this condition have a 20% to 25% chance of developing myeloma or lymphoma. (See Staging)

Gender. Myeloma is slightly more common in men.