Epidemiology (pattern) of myeloma
Myeloma is the third most common blood cancer in the UK. It accounts for approximately 2% of all cancers and 15% of all haematological cancers diagnosed each year.
In the UK, it is estimated there are 33,000 people living with myeloma. Each year, there are around 6,200 people newly diagnosed patients with the overall incidence of myeloma on the increase. Around 8 people die from myeloma every day.
Myeloma is slightly more common in men than women and is 2-3 times more common in black people who are also more likely to be younger at diagnosis.
The incidence of myeloma is strongly related to age, with 8 in 10 people diagnosed with myeloma every year being over the age of 60.