Multiple myeloma is a plasma-cell cancer that is more likely to appear in later life. Early signs frequently involve blood and bones, including anemia and back pain, while kidney impairment can also occur. For most people, an earlier abnormality—MGUS—comes first, and family history, obesity, and race-related differences can influence risk. On this page, you’ll explore how presentations and outcomes vary across populations and risk groups, and how therapies affect survival.
Key Takeaways
- About 85% of multiple myeloma patients present with CRAB symptoms: hyperCalcemia (25%), Renal failure (50%), Anemia (70%), Bone lesions (80%)
- Back pain is the most common initial symptom in 60% of multiple myeloma patients
- Anemia occurs in 73% of patients at diagnosis, with hemoglobin <10 g/dL in 41%
- In the United States, multiple myeloma represents approximately 1.6% of all new cancer cases and about 10% of all hematologic malignancies
- Globally, multiple myeloma accounts for 0.8% of all cancer deaths, with an estimated 159,147 new cases diagnosed worldwide in 2020
- The age-adjusted incidence rate of multiple myeloma in the US is 7.0 per 100,000 persons per year among men and 4.3 per 100,000 among women from 2015-2019
- 5-year overall survival for multiple myeloma has improved to 59.8% from 48.8% in 2000
- Median overall survival is 62 months for standard-risk vs. 36 months for high-risk myeloma
- Patients achieving MRD negativity have 80% 3-year PFS vs. 40% MRD positive
- Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) precedes 80-90% of multiple myeloma cases
- African American race increases multiple myeloma risk 2-fold compared to Caucasians
- First-degree relatives of multiple myeloma patients have a 3.2-fold increased risk
- In newly diagnosed multiple myeloma, bortezomib-based induction achieves 70-80% response rate
- Autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) extends median PFS by 14 months vs. no transplant (43 vs. 29 months)
- Daratumumab plus lenalidomide/dexamethasone yields 92% ORR in relapsed/refractory
Most multiple myeloma patients first show CRAB symptoms, often anemia and bone disease, and survival keeps improving.
Related reading
01 · Category
Clinical Presentation26 stats
01
About 85% of multiple myeloma patients present with CRAB symptoms: hyperCalcemia (25%), Renal failure (50%), Anemia (70%), Bone lesions (80%)
02
Back pain is the most common initial symptom in 60% of multiple myeloma patients
03
Anemia occurs in 73% of patients at diagnosis, with hemoglobin <10 g/dL in 41%
04
Bone fractures precede diagnosis in 10-15% of cases due to lytic lesions
05
Fatigue is reported by 80-90% of symptomatic patients at presentation
06
Hypercalcemia (>11 mg/dL) is present in 25% at diagnosis
07
Renal impairment (creatinine >2 mg/dL) affects 48% of newly diagnosed patients
08
Extramedullary disease is seen in 7% at diagnosis, rising to 18% at relapse
09
Weight loss (>10% body weight) occurs in 30% of advanced cases
10
Neuropathy affects 20% due to amyloidosis or paraneoplastic syndromes
11
Plasmacytoma as solitary presentation in 3-5% of cases
12
Recurrent infections in 15-20% at diagnosis due to hypogammaglobulinemia
13
Spinal cord compression in 10% of patients with bone disease
14
Thrombocytopenia (<100,000/uL) in 35% at diagnosis
15
Amyloidosis co-occurs in 10-15% of myeloma patients, causing organ dysfunction
16
Pathologic fractures in 40% within 2 years if untreated
17
Elevated LDH (> upper normal limit) in 40% correlating with high-risk disease
18
Plasma cells >60% in bone marrow indicate high tumor burden in 25% of cases
19
Free light chain ratio >100 in 15-20% associated with renal failure
20
Hyperviscosity syndrome in 2-6% due to IgA or IgG spikes
21
Bone marrow infiltration >30% plasma cells in 95% of diagnostic cases
22
Serum M-protein >3 g/dL in 70% of patients at diagnosis
23
Urinary Bence Jones proteins in 75% of light-chain myeloma cases
24
Whole-body low-dose CT detects 90% of lytic lesions missed by skeletal survey
25
PET/CT shows extramedullary disease in 25-30% of newly diagnosed patients
26
Flow cytometry detects minimal residual disease at 10^-5 sensitivity in 50% post-treatment
Interpretation
Clinical Presentation Interpretation
Clinically, multiple myeloma often shows up through classic CRAB features, with 85% of patients presenting with symptoms such as anemia in 70% and bone lesions in 80%, and back pain being the first sign in 60%.
02 · Category
Epidemiology30 stats
01
In the United States, multiple myeloma represents approximately 1.6% of all new cancer cases and about 10% of all hematologic malignancies
02
Globally, multiple myeloma accounts for 0.8% of all cancer deaths, with an estimated 159,147 new cases diagnosed worldwide in 2020
03
The age-adjusted incidence rate of multiple myeloma in the US is 7.0 per 100,000 persons per year among men and 4.3 per 100,000 among women from 2015-2019
04
African Americans have nearly twice the risk of developing multiple myeloma compared to White Americans, with an incidence rate of 14.6 per 100,000 vs. 7.0 per 100,000
05
The median age at diagnosis for multiple myeloma is 69 years, with only 2% of cases diagnosed in patients under 45 years old
06
In Europe, the incidence of multiple myeloma has increased by 3.4% annually from 1995 to 2014, reaching 5.9 per 100,000 standardized rate
07
Multiple myeloma prevalence in the US is estimated at 152,077 people living with the disease as of 2022
08
Men are 1.5 times more likely to develop multiple myeloma than women, with 19,620 new cases in men vs. 16,110 in women projected for 2024
09
In India, the age-standardized incidence rate of multiple myeloma is 1.2 per 100,000 for men and 0.8 for women
10
The lifetime risk of developing multiple myeloma is 0.76% for men and 0.54% for women in the US
11
From 2000 to 2019, the incidence rate of multiple myeloma in the US increased by 1.4% per year on average
12
In Australia, multiple myeloma incidence is 6.6 per 100,000 for men and 4.0 for women
13
Among Native Americans/Alaska Natives in the US, the incidence rate is 7.5 per 100,000, higher than Whites at 6.7
14
Globally, multiple myeloma mortality rate is 2.0 per 100,000, with 114,088 deaths in 2020
15
In the UK, there were 5,677 new multiple myeloma diagnoses in 2019, with an incidence of 9.6 per 100,000
16
The prevalence of smoldering myeloma, a precursor, is about 1 in 200 people over age 50
17
In Japan, multiple myeloma incidence is lower at 3.2 per 100,000 standardized
18
US mortality from multiple myeloma declined by 2.4% per year from 2013-2022
19
Hispanics/Latinos in the US have an incidence rate of 6.8 per 100,000 for multiple myeloma
20
Worldwide, multiple myeloma is the 15th most common cancer in men
21
In Canada, the 5-year observed survival for multiple myeloma is 60.8%
22
The incidence of multiple myeloma in China is 1.1 per 100,000 age-standardized
23
In the US, 12,570 deaths from multiple myeloma are projected for 2024
24
Asian/Pacific Islanders in the US have the lowest incidence at 3.5 per 100,000
25
From 2015-2019, multiple myeloma was the 14th leading cause of cancer death in US men
26
In Brazil, multiple myeloma incidence is 2.4 per 100,000 for men
27
The number of multiple myeloma survivors in the US has tripled since 2000, reaching over 150,000
28
In France, multiple myeloma accounts for 15% of hematological malignancies
29
Global age-standardized incidence rate for multiple myeloma is 2.0 per 100,000 in both sexes
30
In the US, multiple myeloma incidence peaks between ages 75-84 at 47.7 per 100,000
Interpretation
Epidemiology Interpretation
From an epidemiology perspective, multiple myeloma affects people far more in older age groups and remains substantial worldwide, with 159,147 new global cases in 2020 and an incidence rate in the US as high as 7.0 per 100,000 in men compared with just 4.3 in women while only 2% of diagnoses occur before age 45.
03 · Category
Prognosis26 stats
01
5-year overall survival for multiple myeloma has improved to 59.8% from 48.8% in 2000
02
Median overall survival is 62 months for standard-risk vs. 36 months for high-risk myeloma
03
Patients achieving MRD negativity have 80% 3-year PFS vs. 40% MRD positive
04
R-ISS stage I: 5-year OS 82%, stage II 62%, stage III 40%
05
High-risk cytogenetics (del17p, t(4;14), t(14;16)) confer 50% reduced OS
06
Renal failure at diagnosis halves median survival to 20-30 months
07
Age >75 years: median OS 35 months vs. 70 months under 65
08
Complete response (CR) post-induction: 3-year PFS 70% vs. 50% partial response
09
Extramedullary disease: median PFS 12 months vs. 30 months without
10
LDH >2x ULN: hazard ratio 2.0 for death
11
ASCT-eligible: 5-year OS 70-80% with modern therapy
12
Triple-class refractory: median OS 10-12 months
13
Plasma cell leukemia: median OS 4-8 months
14
t(4;14) alone: 3-year OS 70% with bortezomib therapy vs. 50% without
15
Anemia (Hb<10): HR 1.5 for progression-free survival
16
Gain(1q): present in 40%, reduces PFS by 12 months
17
Smoldering myeloma high-risk: 50% progress within 2 years
18
PCLI >5%: median survival 6 months
19
Beta-2 microglobulin >5.5 mg/L: median OS 30 months
20
Post-relapse survival improving: 40 months in 2010s vs. 15 months in 1990s
21
del(17p): HR 2.3 for OS, present in 10% at diagnosis
22
MRD at 10^-6: 5-year PFS 85% in trials
23
ISS stage III: 5-year OS 37% vs. 74% stage I
24
Double-hit (del17p + t(4;14)): median OS 24 months
25
Albumin <3.5 g/dL: HR 1.3 independent prognostic factor
26
Hypogammaglobulinemia: infection-free survival 60% at 2 years with IVIG
Interpretation
Prognosis Interpretation
Overall prognosis for multiple myeloma is improving with 5 year overall survival rising from 48.8% in 2000 to 59.8%, yet outcomes still vary sharply by risk where median survival is 62 months for standard risk but only 36 months for high risk.
More related reading
04 · Category
Risk Factors27 stats
01
Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) precedes 80-90% of multiple myeloma cases
02
African American race increases multiple myeloma risk 2-fold compared to Caucasians
03
First-degree relatives of multiple myeloma patients have a 3.2-fold increased risk
04
Obesity (BMI ≥30) is associated with a 1.2-1.5 times higher risk of progression from MGUS to multiple myeloma
05
Exposure to pesticides increases multiple myeloma risk by 1.5-2.0 times
06
Smoking is linked to a 1.2-fold increased risk of multiple myeloma, particularly current smokers
07
Radiation exposure from atomic bombs increases risk 2-10 fold depending on dose
08
Chronic antigenic stimulation from autoimmune diseases raises risk by 1.5-2 times
09
Male gender confers a 1.4 times higher risk than females for developing multiple myeloma
10
Age over 65 years increases risk exponentially, with 70% of cases diagnosed after this age
11
Farmers have a 1.3-fold increased risk due to herbicide exposure
12
MGUS prevalence is 3% in people over 50, rising to 5-6% over 70
13
Family history accounts for 20-25% of multiple myeloma heritability
14
Intermittent low-grade inflammation correlates with 2-fold risk increase
15
Hair dyes used before 1980 increase risk by 1.5 times in women
16
Alcohol consumption shows inverse association, with heavy drinkers having 20-30% lower risk
17
Asbestos exposure is associated with 1.6-fold risk in occupational studies
18
Genetic variants in 23 genes confer up to 2.5-fold risk
19
Diabetes mellitus increases progression risk from MGUS by 1.7 times
20
Firefighters have 1.4 times higher incidence due to chemical exposures
21
IgM MGUS has 1-2% annual progression risk to myeloma or lymphoma
22
Organophosphates exposure raises risk 2.4-fold in meta-analyses
23
Twin studies show 50% concordance for MGUS in monozygotic twins
24
HIV infection increases myeloma risk 5-10 fold
25
High birth weight (>4kg) links to 1.8-fold risk in cohort studies
26
Latex exposure in healthcare workers associates with 1.3-fold risk
27
Non-IgG MGUS progresses to myeloma 4 times faster than IgG MGUS
Interpretation
Risk Factors Interpretation
In this risk factor outlook, most multiple myeloma cases arise from MGUS, which precedes 80 to 90 percent of cases, while added risks such as a 2-fold higher likelihood in African Americans and a 3.2-fold increase for first degree relatives underscore how both prior conditions and familial and demographic factors can meaningfully raise risk.
05 · Category
Treatment24 stats
01
In newly diagnosed multiple myeloma, bortezomib-based induction achieves 70-80% response rate
02
Autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) extends median PFS by 14 months vs. no transplant (43 vs. 29 months)
03
Daratumumab plus lenalidomide/dexamethasone yields 92% ORR in relapsed/refractory
04
CAR-T therapy (idecabtagene vicleucel) achieves 73% ORR with 33% CR in triple-class refractory
05
Lenalidomide maintenance post-ASCT reduces relapse risk by 50%, median PFS 52 months
06
Bisphosphonates reduce skeletal events by 15-20% in myeloma bone disease
07
Pomalidomide/dexamethasone shows 31% ORR in double refractory patients
08
Tandem ASCT improves PFS by 10 months in high-risk patients (44 vs. 34 months)
09
Selinexor plus dexamethasone achieves 25.3% ORR in penta-refractory myeloma
10
VRd (bortezomib, lenalidomide, dex) induction: 81% VGPR or better pre-ASCT
11
Teclistamab (bispecific) yields 63% ORR with 39% CR in heavily pretreated
12
Denosumab non-inferior to zoledronate, reduces renal toxicity by 17%
13
Rd (lenalidomide/dex) maintenance: 50% reduction in progression risk post-induction
14
Elotuzumab/lenalidomide/dex: 74% ORR vs. 67% Rd alone in relapsed
15
Quadruplet therapy (Dara-VRd) achieves 88% MRD negativity at 10^-5
16
Panobinostat adds 5.6 months PFS to bortezomib/dex (12 vs. 8.1 months)
17
Isatuximab/IRd: 72% ORR vs. 56% Rd in first relapse
18
Radiation therapy controls solitary plasmacytoma in 50-70% long-term
19
Belantamab mafodotin: 32% ORR in relapsed/refractory triple-class exposed
20
KRd (carfilzomib/Rd) superior to Rd: PFS not reached vs. 17.6 months
21
Allogeneic transplant: 5-year OS 40-50% but TRM 20-30%
22
Melphalan 200 mg/m² conditioning for ASCT: 90% engraftment by day 12
23
Talquetamab bispecific: 70% ORR in relapsed/refractory
24
Prophylactic anticoagulation in 60% of IMiD-treated patients prevents VTE
Interpretation
Treatment Interpretation
Across treatment strategies for multiple myeloma, responses and durability improve markedly, with bortezomib-based induction reaching a 70 to 80% response rate and ASCT extending median PFS by 14 months (43 versus 29), while maintenance and supportive bone-directed care further reduce relapse and skeletal events.
Reference
Cite This Report
This report is designed to be cited. We maintain stable URLs and versioned verification dates. Copy the format appropriate for your publication below.
APA
Lukas Bauer. (2026, February 13). Myeloma Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/myeloma-statistics
MLA
Lukas Bauer. "Myeloma Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/myeloma-statistics.
Chicago
Lukas Bauer. 2026. "Myeloma Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/myeloma-statistics.
Sources & references
17 datasets cited across this report · attribution is report-level