Myeloma fast facts

• Myeloma is a rare cancer of the plasma cells. Plasma cells are found in the bone marrow and are responsible for protecting the body against infection
• There is currently no cure but treatment can halt the progress of myeloma and improve quality of life
• Complications of myeloma include severe bone pain, bone fractures, fatigue, frequent infection and kidney failure
• Each year in the UK over 4,000 people are diagnosed with myeloma. Click here for a graph showing the latest figures for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
• Approximately 80% of myeloma patients are over the age of 65
• The causes of myeloma are uncertain but there are thought to be multiple potential trigger factors, including exposure to petroleum-based products and some pesticides
• Late diagnosis is a common problem for myeloma patients and contributes to a disappointingly poor record in one-year survival. Click here for more details about late diagnosis in myeloma
• For patients who are diagnosed promptly and are able to access effective treatment the prospects are better than ever before. Myeloma is leading the way in long-term survival improvements compared to almost all other cancers in the UK. Click here for more on myeloma survival data

Case Studies

Patient case studies from across the UK are available. Contact the Press Team or call 0131 557 3332 for more details.