Multiple Myeloma

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Department of Haematology

Multiple Myeloma - Causes and Risk Factors

What are the risk factors for multiple myeloma?

There is no specific cause for myeloma, but some factors that can increase the risk of myeloma include:

Age – Myeloma is more common in people over the age of 55 and increases with age such that over the age of 80 years up to 5% of patients may have myeloma.
Gender – Males are slightly more likely to develop myeloma compared to females.
Repeated exposure to toxic elements such as agricultural chemicals or pesticides, and petrochemicals are thought to increase the risk of Myeloma.
Exposure to DNA damaging ionising radiation or chemotherapeutic agents
Obesity is a common risk factor for several forms of cancers, including Myeloma

People with a first degree relative (a parent, sibling, or child) with Myeloma are nearly two times more likely to develop it compared to the general population

Multiple Myeloma - Preparing for surgery

Multiple Myeloma - Post-surgery care

Article contributed by Haematology, Singapore General Hospital

The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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