How common is multiple myeloma in the general population?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Multiple myeloma is a rare blood cancer that develops in plasma cells within the bone marrow. It affects a small percentage of the general population, making early recognition of symptoms especially important. Because signs like fatigue, bone pain, or frequent infections can mimic other conditions, many cases go undetected until later stages.

If you're experiencing symptoms that concern you, don't wait to find answers. Taking a free, instant, online symptom check can help you better understand what your body may be telling you and guide your next steps—whether that's monitoring at home or seeking medical care. It's fast, private, and could be the clarity you need.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn if multiple myeloma needs urgent care Discover likely causes of your symptoms today Find out if symptoms suggest multiple myeloma See over-the-counter options for symptom relief Find a specialist for multiple myeloma care Understand home remedies for multiple myeloma symptoms Check if your symptoms could be cancer

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Explanation

Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that starts in the bone marrow and affects plasma cells. It is considered a rare disease, meaning it does not occur very often in the general population. According to the references provided, multiple myeloma accounts for about 1% of all cancers and about 10% of blood cancers. This means that while it is significant among blood cancers, it is still uncommon when looking at all types of cancer.

Key Points:

Prevalence: Multiple myeloma is rare compared to other cancers.
Age Factor: It is more common in older adults, particularly those over 65 years old.
Gender and Race: It affects slightly more men than women and is more common in African Americans compared to other races.

Understanding the rarity of multiple myeloma can help in recognizing its symptoms early and seeking medical advice if needed. If you're experiencing unexplained symptoms such as bone pain, fatigue, or frequent infections, you can check your symptoms with our free AI-powered symptom checker at https://ubiehealth.com/symptom-checker to help determine whether you should consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and management.

(References)

Dimopoulos MA, & Terpos E. (2010). Multiple myeloma. Annals of oncology : official journal of the European Society for Medical Oncology, 20943607.
Kazandjian D. (2016). Multiple myeloma epidemiology and survival: A unique .... Seminars in oncology, 28061985.
Kim S, & Berenson JR. (2023). Predicting outcomes and monitoring disease in patients .... Clinical advances in hematology & oncology : H&O, 37647495.

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