Risk factors and causes of myeloma
Doctors do not know what causes myeloma. But certain things called risk factors can increase the chance of developing myeloma.
Myeloma causes and risk factors
There are certain things that can increase the chance of developing myeloma. These are called risk factors. Having a risk factor does not mean you will get cancer. And not having risk factors does not mean you will not develop it.
In the UK, around 5,900 people are diagnosed with myeloma each year. Doctors do not know what causes myeloma, but having MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance) increases the risk of developing it. MGUS is a non-cancerous condition where the body makes an abnormal protein, called a paraprotein.
Almost everyone with myeloma has had MGUS first, but it may not be diagnosed. But only a small number of people who have MGUS will develop myeloma.
Like other cancers, myeloma is not infectious and cannot be passed on to other people.
If you are worried about myeloma and would like to talk to someone, we're here. You can:
- Call the Macmillan Support Line for free on 0808 808 00 00.
- Chat to our specialists online.
Age
Myeloma is more common in people over the age of 60. It is rare in people under the age of 40.
Sex
Myeloma is slightly more common in men than in women.
Ethnicity
Myeloma is more common in Black ethnic groups.
Family history
People who have a close family member with myeloma may have a slightly higher risk of developing it. A close family member means a parent, brother or sister. If you are worried about this, your doctor can explain what the risk might be.
Other risk factors
Some research suggests that being overweight (obesity) may increase the risk of developing myeloma.
Some health conditions can weaken the immune system or cause the immune system to attack healthy cells in the body (autoimmune disease). These types of conditions may slightly increase the risk of developing myeloma.
Research into these factors is limited, so the link between these conditions and myeloma is not fully understood.
About our information
This information has been written, revised and edited by Macmillan Cancer Support’s Cancer Information Development team. It has been reviewed by expert medical and health professionals and people living with cancer.
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References
Below is a sample of the sources used in our myeloma information. If you would like more information about the sources we use, please contact us at informationproductionteam@macmillan.org.uk
Hughes D, Yong K, Ramasamy K, et al. Diagnosis and management of smouldering myeloma: A British Society for Haematology Good Practice Paper. Br J Haematol. 2024;204(4):1193-1206. Available from: www.doi.org/10.1111/bjh.19333
Sive J, Cuthill K, Hunter H, et al. Guidelines on the diagnosis, investigation and initial treatment of myeloma: a British Society for Haematology/UK Myeloma Forum Guideline. Br J Haematol.2021;193(2):245-268. Available from: www.doi.org/10.1111/bjh.17410
Reviewer
Senior Clinical Research Fellow and Honorary Consultant in Molecular Diagnostics and Leukaemia
Date reviewed
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