Multiple Myeloma

 Multiple myeloma  also known as plasma cell myeloma or Kahler's disease .It  is a cancer of plasma cells, a type of white blood cellnormally responsible for producing antibodies. In multiple myeloma, collections of abnormal plasma cells accumulate in the bone marrow, where they interfere with the production of normal blood cells. Bisphosphonate treatment is often started along with chemo. If the areas of damaged bone continue to cause symptoms, radiation therapy may be used. Almost half of all deaths from cancer are from lung, bowel, breast or prostate cancers, 2012, UK.

From 1950 through 2005, the average annual age-adjusted (European standard population) incidence rate remained stable (Poisson regression, P=.07 for men and P=.67 for women). Also, comparisons between 10-year birth cohorts (from 1870-1879 to 1970-1979) failed to detect any increase. Between 1950-1959 and 2000-2005, the median age at diagnosis of MM increased from 70 to 74 years, and the proportion of newly diagnosed patients aged 80 years or older increased from 16% to 31%.