Myeloma risks and causes
This page is about the possible causes of myeloma. The cause of most cases is not known but there are some known risk factors. There is information below on
Myeloma risks and causes
Myeloma is quite a rare cancer in the UK. It is very rare in those under 40. But it is more common in black populations than white populations. We don't know what causes most cases, but there are some known risk factors
Definite risk factors
- Radiation - People who have been exposed to high levels of radiation in the past may have an increased risk of myeloma
- Family history – People who have a close relative diagnosed with myeloma are more likely to develop myeloma
- MGUS - A rare medical condition called monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (MGUS) is linked to increased risk of developing myeloma
Possible risk factors
Some research has suggested that people exposed to certain chemicals at work may have an increased risk of myeloma, although these links haven’t been proved. There is some evidence that people who are overweight may have an increased risk of myeloma. Some studies have shown that your risk of myeloma may be lower if you eat a lot of fish, cabbage, cauliflower or broccoli.
You can view and print the quick guides for all the pages in the About myeloma section.
Almost 4,000 cases of myeloma are diagnosed in the UK each year. About 1 in every 100 cases of cancer diagnosed are myeloma. It is the 17th commonest cancer. Risk of myeloma increases with age - it's very rare in people under 40. But it is twice as common in black populations as it is in white populations.
If you have been exposed to high levels of radiatio n in the past, you may have an increased risk of developing myeloma.
Studies show that people with a first-degree relative diagnosed with myeloma are between 2 and 6 times more likely to develop myeloma compared to people who do not have a relative with myeloma.
A rare medical condition called monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (MGUS) is linked to increased risk of developing myeloma. Around 20 to 30 out of every 100 people diagnosed with MGUS (20 to 30%) will get multiple myeloma eventually.
People with pernicious anaemia, an autoimmune disease, have been shown to have a slightly increased risk of myeloma. People with ankylosing spondylitis have also been shown to have an increased risk of myeloma.
Some research has suggested that some jobs may be associated with an increased risk of developing multiple myeloma although these links haven't been proved. You may have an increased risk if you work in
- The petrol or oil industry because of exposure to benzene
- Farming because of exposure to some pesticides
- Woodworking or the leather industry
- Painting and decorating
- Hairdressing, because of exposure to hair dyes
- Rubber manufacturing
We must stress that there is not enough evidence to prove that any of these occupations carry an increased risk of myeloma. Myeloma is a relatively uncommon condition. So even if any of these occupations are associated with increased risk, there must be other factors that dictate why one person develops myeloma and another doesn't.
There is some evidence that people who are overweight or obese may have up to almost double the risk of myeloma compared to people with a healthy bodyweight. Four studies have shown a reduced risk of myeloma in people who eat a lot of fish. A smaller number of studies have shown that eating cruciferous vegetables (such as brocolli, cauliflower and cabbage) and green vegetables may reduce the risk of myeloma.
One study has shown that people who take paracetamol (acetaminophen) regularly may have an increased risk of myeloma. Regular use of paracetamol is defined as at least once a week for at least 6 months.
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