Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer caused by infected plasma cells. Plasma cells are a type of white blood cells that produce antibodies to help fight germs that cause infection and diseases. In this condition, cancer-infected plasma cells grow in the bone marrow and develop to overshadow healthy cells. These cancer cells then fail to produce healthy antibodies and thus produce uncommon proteins that lead to complications.

In multiple myeloma, the oncogenes, which is a gene that is capable of causing cancer, promote excessive cell growth. There are many things that can be considered as risk factors for multiple myeloma. Some of them include the following:

1. Age
One of the most important risk factors for multiple myeloma is age. Multiple myeloma is generally found in adults above the age of 45. It is generally considered that the chances of developing this type of cancer become higher as one ages and this depends on the genes modification during one’s lifetime.

2. Genes
Genes are strands of DNA that are passed on from our ancestors. These genes undergo multiple changes as they are passed on from one generation to the other. During these changes, a mislocation or absence of chromosome 13 can increase the risk of developing multiple myeloma.

3. Obesity
Abnormal weight gain can happen due to hormonal changes; these changes can also produce improper sugar and insulin levels. This can increase the chances of developing multiple myeloma. Most commonly, type-2 diabetes in obese individuals can also increase the risk of developing this condition.

4. Race
Though multiple myeloma is common among people of different races, African-Americans are at a higher risk of developing this condition. The reason behind this is, however, still unknown. People who suffer from a blood disorder known as MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance) are at risk as well as this is also considered as one of the risk factors for multiple myeloma. However, not all people with MGUS may be affected by multiple myeloma, but most cases of multiple myeloma have experienced MGUS blood disorder.

5. Contact with chemicals
People who work in chemical factories are at a higher risk of developing multiple myeloma. Many chemicals produced in gasoline factories, including benzene, are hazardous and considered as a risk factor for multiple myeloma. Also, individuals working closely with pesticides and fertilizers are at higher risk of getting affected. These pesticides contain a chemical known as TCDD which is often associated with different types of cancer.

6. Plasma cell diseases
Plasma cell diseases such as monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and solitary plasmacytoma can lead to multiple myeloma if left untreated at an early stage. MGUS is a blood disorder that can be caused due to uncommon production of the M-protein in the blood. In plasmacytoma, on the other hand, the tumors are formed in the bones and tissues that lead to the cause of multiple myeloma.

7. Gender
Men are at a higher risk and are more likely to get infected with multiple myeloma as compared to women. The reasons behind this are, however, still unknown.

8. Family history
As mentioned earlier, a common risk factor could be a genetic disorder and the chances are certain to increase when one’s parents or siblings are suffering from multiple myeloma.