Causes of myeloma
We don’t fully understand what causes myeloma (multiple myeloma). But we know there are some things that make it more likely to develop. These are called risk factors.
What you need to know:
- There are several things that increase a person’s chance of developing myeloma.
- Things that increase your risk are known as myeloma risk factors.
- Myeloma is more common in older people, men, people with a family history, and Black people.
- People with a condition called MGUS are also more likely to develop myeloma.
Risk factors for myeloma
The main risk factors for myeloma are:
Age
The chance of developing myeloma rises as you get older. Over 95 in 100 (95%) people diagnosed with myeloma are over 50. Less than 1 in 100 (1%) are diagnosed before the age of 40, and myeloma is extremely rare in children.
Sex
Myeloma is more common in men than women – we don’t know why. In the UK, almost 6 in every 10 people (58%) with myeloma are men.
Family history
If you have a close relative with myeloma, you’re more likely to develop myeloma than someone without a family history. Close relatives include a parent, brother or sister. But myeloma is rare and the risk for everyone is still low.
Ethnicity
Black people are more likely to get myeloma than white people. This includes people with Black African, Black Caribbean or mixed Black ethnicity. White people are more likely to get myeloma than Asian people. We don’t yet know why.
Read more about experiences of blood cancer in Black communities.
MGUS
People with a condition called monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) have a higher risk of developing myeloma. Around 1 in 100 people with MGUS (1%) go on to develop myeloma each year.
We have more information about MGUS.
Understanding your risk
Our free Support Service is here to help if you have any questions about risk factors for myeloma. They can help you understand your own risk of myeloma and listen to any concerns you may have.
Join our Online Community Forum
Use our supportive Online Community Forum to connect with others affected by blood cancer and share your experiences. You can also explore our 'ask the nurses' threads to hear from our nurses about topics such as active monitoring.
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This information has been accredited with the PIF TICK, the UK's only quality mark for trusted health information.
Last full review May 2026. Next full review due May 2029. We may make factual updates between reviews.
Thank you to Consultant Haematologist Dr Emma Searle and Clinical Nurse Specialist Amie Martin for checking the clinical accuracy of our myeloma information. Thanks also to Cecelia, Craig, Joan, Kaleigh, Kerry, Louise, Mart, Sandra, Scott for supporting this project and sharing their experience of living with myeloma.