Multiple Myeloma Causes

In the case of multiple myeloma, causes of the disease have not yet been found; however, researchers have identified certain risk factors for multiple myeloma. While these risk factors are not multiple myeloma causes, they do increase the chances of developing the disease. Risk factors for multiple myeloma include being African American, having a personal history of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), and growing older (risk increases with age).

 

Multiple Myeloma Causes: An Introduction

No one knows the exact multiple myeloma causes. Doctors can seldom explain why one person will get multiple myeloma and another person will not. However, it is clear that this disease is not contagious -- no one can "catch" multiple myeloma from another person. Multiple myeloma research has shown that people with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop multiple myeloma. A risk factor is anything that increases a person's chances of developing a disease. While risk factors are not multiple myeloma causes, they may act together to increase the multiple myeloma risk.
 

Multiple Myeloma Causes: Know the Risk Factors

Specific multiple myeloma risk factors include:
 
  • Growing older (most people with the disease are diagnosed after age 65)
  • Being African American
  • Having a personal history of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS).
 
Age
Growing older increases a person's chances of developing multiple myeloma. Most people with multiple myeloma are diagnosed after age 65, and multiple myeloma is rare among people who are younger than 40 years of age.
 
Race
The risk of multiple myeloma is highest among African Americans and lowest among Asian Americans. The reason for this difference between racial groups is not known.
(Multiple Myeloma Causes Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD