Multiple Myeloma

Cancer that develops in plasma cells of bone marrow is Myeloma. Part of the body's immune system, the plasma cells, produces antibodies and helps to fight infection. Bone lesions develop when these cells become damaged and out of control. With the development of these abnormal cells, the other cells in the blood that produce red and white blood cells, and platelets, cannot produce enough blood cells. The result is lowered immunity, anemia, unusual or excessive bleeding, and suppression of the body's ability to fight off infection.

Risk Factors:

Age: Multiple Myeloma is most often diagnosed in people older than 65.

Sex: Men develop this disease at a slightly higher rate than women.

Race/ethnicity: The African American population develops multiple Myeloma at more than double the white population's rate.

Weight: Being overweight or obese puts a person at an increased risk for this disease.

Medical history: Individuals with certain plasma cell diseases are more likely to develop multiple Myeloma.