How to Prevent Multiple Myeloma: Is it Possible?

Multiple myeloma is rare, but not too much so. The odds of developing it—1 in 103 for men and 1 in 131 for women— show the importance of prevention. However, dealing with multiple myeloma is more about effective treatment and long-term management, not prevention.

Is There A Way To Prevent Multiple Myeloma?

No. Preventing multiple myeloma isn’t possible at this time. 

This cancer involves abnormal growth of plasma cells in the bone marrow. Risk factors like genetics, radiation, and certain chemicals can increase your chances, but there’s no guaranteed way to avoid it. 

All you can do is understand the risk factors, so you can manage your health better.

Risk Factors Of Multiple Myeloma

Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing multiple myeloma:

• Age: Risk increases significantly after age 71, with some cases occurring in older adults. However, the chances of it happening at a younger age are far smaller. Only a percentage of adults under 40 develop this condition.
• Gender: Men are more often affected by multiple myeloma than women.
• Genetic Factors: If close relatives have had multiple myeloma or similar blood cancers, your risk might be higher because of inherited factors.
• Smoldering Multiple Myeloma (SMM): SMM is an early, asymptomatic form of multiple myeloma. While not everyone with SMM will progress to active multiple myeloma, those with SMM are at a higher risk and require regular monitoring.
• Ethnicity: African Americans are more likely to develop multiple myeloma than any other ethnicity. The reason for this has not yet been determined.
• Radiation Exposure: Past exposure to high levels of radiation, such as from cancer treatments, can increase risk.
• Chemical Exposure: Long-term contact with certain chemicals is linked to a higher risk. For instance, benzene, dioxins, and glyphosate can cause genetic mutations and immune system dysfunction. These toxins can be carcinogenic, damaging bone marrow and leading to the development of the disease. Although, benzene is the least likely to cause it among all those.
• Immune System Issues: Chronic immune system conditions, including autoimmune diseases and immunodeficiencies, may heighten the risk.
• Obesity: Being overweight or obese is associated with a higher risk of multiple myeloma due to increased inflammation.
• Other Pre-existing Conditions: Having plasma cell disorders like monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) can increase the risk of developing active multiple myeloma. However, this is incredibly rare.

What Are The Odds Of Beating Myeloma?

Survival odds for multiple myeloma vary. According to WebMD, the 5-year survival rate is about 58%. Younger people have better odds: 77% for those under 50, 68% for ages 50-64, and 50% for those over 65. Early-stage myeloma has a survival rate of 79%, while advanced stages drop to 57%. Overall health matters too; weak kidneys can reduce survival chances. In 2024, around 35,780 new cases are expected in the U.S., with about 12,540 deaths. Outcomes vary based on individual health and treatment.

What Are The Symptoms Of Multiple Myeloma?

Multiple myeloma can cause various symptoms, which may develop slowly:

• Bone Pain: Pain is often felt in the back, ribs, or other bones. This happens because myeloma cells damage and weaken the bones, leading to pain, lesions, or fractures.
• Fatigue: Feeling very tired or weak is common. This is usually due to anemia, a condition where myeloma affects the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body.
• Frequent Infections: Myeloma can weaken the immune system, making it harder to fight infections. This can lead to frequent colds, flu-like symptoms, or more severe infections.
• High Calcium Levels: Myeloma can cause bones to break down and release too much calcium into the blood. This can result in nausea, constipation, increased thirst, and confusion.
• Kidney Problems: Abnormal proteins from myeloma can damage the kidneys. This can cause swelling in the legs, changes in urine output, and general fatigue.
• Unexplained Weight Loss: Losing weight without trying can happen because the body uses extra energy to fight the disease, and changes in appetite can also occur.

How To Treat Multiple Myeloma?

Since prevention isn’t possible, this is the next viable course of action. If you think you have the slightest chance of being affected by multiple myeloma, the least you can do is look at all the options for treatment. Treating this can be incredibly expensive, so it’s recommended to at least have a basic idea of the pricing before the patient’s condition turns serious.

• Chemotherapy: Drugs like melphalan and cyclophosphamide kill cancer cells throughout the body. This treatment can be expensive, often costing thousands of dollars per cycle, and has side effects such as nausea, hair loss, and a higher risk of infections.
• Targeted Therapy: Drugs such as bortezomib and lenalidomide (Revlimid) specifically target myeloma cells. In particular, Lenalidomide cost can be high, with standard Revlimid sometimes costing over $10,000 per month. Generic options are much cheaper. Indian generic lenalidomide, known as Lenalid, costs only $50 to $150 per month, depending on the strength of the medication. Contact us today to learn more about how to have it delivered straight to your doorstep.
• Immunotherapy: This treatment helps the immune system attack myeloma cells. Examples include CAR-T cell therapy and monoclonal antibodies. Immunotherapy can be very expensive, with CAR-T therapy costing over $300,000 in some cases.
• Stem Cell Transplant: This procedure replaces damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells. It is complex and costly, often ranging from $100,000 to $300,000, depending on the type of transplant and care needed.
• Radiation Therapy: Uses high-energy rays to target specific areas with myeloma damage. It is generally less expensive than other treatments, with costs ranging from $10,000 to $30,000, depending on the number of sessions.
• Bisphosphonates: Medications like zoledronic acid help protect bones and reduce pain. These are relatively less expensive, usually costing between $500 and $2,000 per dose, depending on the frequency of treatment.

Conclusion

Multiple myeloma can’t be avoided, but you can take charge of your health. Be vigilant about early detection, as it can lead to better outcomes. There are always advances in treatment that provide new possibilities for managing the condition. Keep a positive mindset and seek support when needed. You’re not alone, and there’s always hope for a brighter future.