Multiple Myeloma: Statistics

What are statistics?

Some people use numbers called statistics to figure out their chances of getting cancer. Or they use them to try to figure out their chances of dying from cancer. Because no 2 people are alike, statistics can’t be used to predict what will happen to 1 person. The statistics below describe large groups of people. They do not take into account a person's own risk factors, such as family history, behaviors, or cancer screenings. If you have questions, talk with your healthcare provider.

What are the statistics for multiple myeloma?

The 2018 statistics for this cancer include:

• About 30,770 people will be diagnosed with this cancer in the United States this year.

• About 12,770 people will die of this cancer this year.

• A person's risk of getting this cancer in their lifetime is about 1 in 143.

• Multiple myeloma is very rare in people younger than 35. Most people diagnosed with it are ages 65 and older.

• Men are slightly more likely to get this cancer than women.

• African Americans are more than twice as likely to get this cancer as white Americans.

Source: American Cancer Society