Multiple myeloma is cancer of the plasma cells in bone marrow.
When a person has multiple myeloma, too many plasma cells are made which causes overcrowding in the bone marrow. This prevents adequate numbers of normal blood cells forming, making a person less able to fight infection.
Multiple myeloma spreads from the bone marrow into the bone.
Incidence
Nationwide there were 1593 new cases in 2012 of multiple myeloma.
Risk of diagnosisbefore age 75
Men: 1 in 183 
Women: 1 in 264
Causes/Risk Factors
The causes of multiple myeloma are not fully understood. The few established risk factors include:
- Immuno-suppression.
- A family history of multiple myeloma and other blood cancers.
- Obesity.
If the information on this website raises any questions or concerns relating to your cancer, please call Cancer Council on 13 11 20. Specialist cancer nurses staff the line Monday to Friday 9.00am-5.00pm.