Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that develops in the white blood cells. These blood cells make up the body’s defense system, as they help protect the body from infections of pathogens. This condition causes an abnormal growth of tumor cells around the bone marrow, affecting healthy blood cells. As a result, the immune system weakens and this disrupts the normal functioning of the entire body.

There are many risk factors for multiple myeloma which induce the cancer cells to develop in the body.

1. Symptoms of multiple myeloma
The symptoms of multiple myeloma can vary based on the stages of the disease. Sometimes, the early stages do have any apparent symptoms, which make it harder to detect the condition. The common signs are:

• Bone pain, especially in the spine or chest
• Weakness or numbness in the legs
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Mental fogginess or confusion
• Fatigue
• Loss of weight
• Frequent infections
• Excessive feeling of thirst

2. Risk factors for multiple myeloma
There are no measures that can control the effects of multiple myeloma. However, several risk factors can be taken to control the severe effects. They include:

• Age
  This disease mostly occurs after the age of 60 and only 2 percent of people under the age of 40 are affected.
• Sex
  Generally, more men are diagnosed with multiple myeloma than women.
• Race
  Research shows that multiple myeloma occurs more in African-Americans than in Caucasians or Europeans. Though the reasons are unclear, this disease is prevalent in areas of North Africa and the Mediterranean.
• Radiation exposure
  People who have been exposed to radiation due to therapies can develop multiple myeloma. People working in industries such as rubber, pesticides, asbestos, etc, have an increased risk of developing this disease. Professional firefighters also have an increased risk of developing this disease.
• Family history
  People with a family history of cancer can develop this disease. People with a history of solitary plasmacytoma are also at risk.
• Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS)
  A small amount of M protein in the blood accounts for around a 2 percent chance of developing multiple myeloma. Lymphoma or other blood diseases also develop due to the deficiency of this protein in the blood.
• Managing the side-effects of multiple myeloma
  Multiple myeloma can cause many ill effects on the body. The risk factors for multiple myeloma cause the body to develop many conditions. Some of them are:
• Frequent infections
  Myeloma cells hinder the body’s ability to fight infections. As a result, the body gets frequent infections due to pathogen attacks.
• Bone problems
  This disease affects the bones, leading to thinning bones and bone pain.
• Reduction in kidney function
  Multiple myeloma can cause problems with the normal excretory functions of the kidney.
• Anemia
  As this disease destroys the WBCs, anemia and other blood diseases may develop.