Multiple myeloma is a cancer that originates in the plasma cells, a type of white blood cell found in the bone marrow. These abnormal plasma cells multiply uncontrollably, leading to various health complications. This article explores the global statistical burden of multiple myeloma, examining its occurrence, impact on survival, regional differences, and changing trends over time.
Global Incidence and Prevalence
Incidence refers to the number of new cases of a disease diagnosed within a specific period, while prevalence indicates the total number of people living with the condition at a given time. Globally, an estimated 188,000 new cases of multiple myeloma were diagnosed in 2022. The age-standardized incidence rate for multiple myeloma worldwide was 1.78 per 100,000 people in 2020.
Global Mortality and Survival
Mortality rate refers to the number of deaths from a disease within a specific population during a given period. Survival rate, often expressed as a five-year survival rate, indicates the percentage of people who are still alive for a certain period after their diagnosis. Globally, approximately 121,000 people died from multiple myeloma in 2022. The global age-standardized mortality rate for multiple myeloma was 1.14 per 100,000 people in 2020. The five-year relative survival rate for multiple myeloma, based on data from 2015 to 2021, is approximately 60%, with about 34% living ten years or more for those diagnosed between 2013 and 2019.
Geographic and Demographic Variations
Multiple myeloma statistics show notable variations across different regions and demographic groups. Northern America and Australia/New Zealand reported the highest age-standardized incidence rates, both exceeding 4 per 100,000 for both sexes combined in 2022. In contrast, Africa and Asia generally exhibit lower incidence rates, potentially due to issues with underdiagnosis and reporting. The highest mortality rates, at 1.8 per 100,000, were observed in Australia/New Zealand, Northern Europe, and Southern Africa in 2022. Multiple myeloma is more common in men than in women, with men having a 47% higher incidence rate in 2020. It is primarily a disease of older adults, with the usual onset around age 60, and it is uncommon before age 40. Non-Hispanic Black individuals have consistently shown the highest incidence rates in the United States, reaching 14.20 per 100,000 population by 2020, while non-Hispanic American Indian/Native Alaskans and Asian/Pacific Islanders have the lowest rates.
Trends Over Time
Global statistics for multiple myeloma have shown changes over recent decades. From 1990 to 2021, the global number of multiple myeloma incident cases increased substantially, from approximately 59,535 to 148,755. Over the same period, global deaths increased from about 50,567 to 116,360. The age-standardized incidence rate has also increased, from 1.50 per 100,000 in 1992 to 1.74 per 100,000 in 2021. Similarly, the age-standardized mortality rate increased from 1.31 per 100,000 in 1992 to 1.37 per 100,000 in 2021. Forecasts suggest that by 2045, the number of newly diagnosed cases is expected to increase by over 71%, reaching approximately 321,000 cases per year, and deaths are projected to increase by about 79% to 218,000 annually. These trends are influenced by factors such as population aging and growth, as well as improvements in diagnostic methods and treatments.