Multiple Myeloma Risk Factors
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Multiple Myeloma Risk Factors - MGUS
The plasma cells are capable of producing a vast array of immunoglobulins specific to certain types of antigens (viruses, bacteria, etc). In rare cases, an abnormal line of plasma cells will begin to produce monoclonal antibody proteins (M protein).
The production of the "M protein" is a type of blood disorder call monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). Overtime, the incidence of infection may increase because the proliferation of the M protein may crowd out the normal plasma cells that are capable of producing functional antibodies.
In some cases, MGUS may develop into multiple myeloma. The American Cancer Society reports that every year approximately 1 percent of all people with MGUS develop a more severe disease, including multiple myeloma. It is not known why some MGUS develop into multiple myeloma and others do not. There is no known cause of multiple myeloma, but researchers have found the genetic make-up of MGUS plasma cells may be similar to that of cancerous myeloma cells.
Other Multiple Myeloma Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that may affect the likelihood of developing multiple myeloma. It is difficult to determine how one particular risk factor may affect your chances of getting cancer. There is no known cause, although certain plasma cell diseases, like MGUS, may develop into cancer.
The following have been identified as risk factors for developing multiple myeloma:
- Obesity - Research has found that obesity may lead to an increased risk of developing this disease.
- Race - For unknown reasons, the incidence of multiple myeloma is twice as high in black Americans as compared to white Americans.
- Gender - Men have a slightly higher risk than women.
- Age - Only a very small percentage of young adults are diagnosed with multiple myeloma. The majority of those diagnosed are over 65 years old.
- Family History - Having a sibling or a parent who's had multiple myeloma has been found to increase the likelihood of developing the disease as much as four times when compared to people who have no family history of multiple myeloma. Nonetheless, this has only been found in a small number of cases.
- Radiation Exposure - A small number of cases may be linked to exposure to high-doses of radiation.
Understanding Multiple Myeloma Risk Factors
The lifetime risk of getting multiple myeloma is relatively small. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 1 out 161 people in the United States will develop the disease at some point in their life. And although MGUS may eventually develop into multiple myeloma, the blood disorder typically does not affect people until they are in their 60's or 70's.
A study by the National Cancer Institute reported that it may take over a decade before MGUS develops into cancer. Blood tests are able to detect elevated levels of immunoglobulin, a potential indicator of a plasma cell disorder. Talk to your doctor if you have reason to believe you may have one of these risk factors.
NOTE: Anything that increases your risk of getting a disease is called a risk factor. Having a risk factor does not mean that you will get cancer. Not having risk factors doesn’t mean that you will not get cancer. If you think you may be at risk, you should discuss it with your doctor.
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