Wednesday, March 18, 2009

MULTIPLE MYELOMA FACT SHEET


What is multiple myeloma?


Multiple myeloma is an incurable yet treatable cancer of the blood in which plasma cells are overproduced in the bone marrow. Plasma cells are a type of white blood cell found in bone marrow that produces the antibodies to help the body fight infections.[i] Multiple myeloma occurs when abnormal cells develop in the bone marrow and divide uncontrollably, eventually crowding out healthy blood cells. Over time these cells can spread to the solid part of the bone, causing fractures and pain.
Fast Facts
Multiple myeloma is the second most prevalent blood cancer after non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and accounts for 1.3 per cent of all new cancer cases in Canada and 1.9 per cent of all cancer deaths.[ii]

According to the most recent Canadian Cancer Society statistics, of the approximately 6,000 Canadians living with the disease, about 1,350 will die this year and 2,100 new patients will be diagnosed across Canada.

Once considered a disease of the elderly, the average age at diagnosis of people with multiple myeloma is the early 60s, with many patients much younger.
Multiple myeloma affects slightly more men than women.
Causes and risk factors
Despite the tremendous amount of work that has gone into the search into the cause of myeloma, to date no cause of this disease has been identified. However, a possible link between exposure to chemicals, pollutants, radiation, or other environmental risk factors and a greater risk of developing myeloma has been suggested.[iii] In most cases, individuals who develop multiple myeloma have no clear risk factors.
Symptoms and diagnosis

There are often no symptoms in the early stages of myeloma. In some cases, myeloma may be discovered by accident during routine blood testing. When present, symptoms may be vague and similar to those of other conditions.

The growth of malignant plasma cells in the bone marrow crowd out healthy blood cells and impact the body in a number of ways, including:
  • Producing fewer red blood cells, which can result in anemia and fatigue;
  • Suppressing healthy white blood cell production, which can lead to recurrent infections;
  • Attacking and weakening of bones, which may lead to osteoporosis and result in considerable pain and potential fractures;
  • Affecting normal kidney and nerve functions.
Because myeloma is a very complex disease, patients may experience all or none of the above symptoms. The diagnosis of multiple myeloma is often made by way of a routine blood test for other conditions. The existence of anemia and a high serum protein may suggest further testing.[iv]


[i] Canadian Cancer Society. What is multiple myeloma? Available online at:

http://www.cancer.ca/Ontario/About%20cancer/Types%20of%20cancer/What%20is%20multiple%20myeloma.aspx?sc_lang=en Accessed February 17, 2009.

[ii] Myeloma Canada: Cause and Incidence; http://www.myelomacanada.ca/en/incidence_prevalence.htm?t=1 Accessed February 17, 2009.

[iii]Myeloma Canada. Stronger together. (pamphlet). Fall 2008.

[iv] Myeloma Canada. Diagnosis. Available online at: http://www.myelomacanada.ca/en/diagnosis.htm Accessed on February 17, 2009.

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