Is Multiple Myeloma a Genetic Disorder?

Some cancers seem to run in families. Is multiple myeloma a genetic disease? And should your family members be tested? 

Someone who has a family member with multiple myeloma is at a slightly higher risk of developing the disease, but myeloma is not generally considered to be caused by family genetics. While some myeloma does exist in some families, the increase in risk could be caused by environmental or other factors. Genetic testing in families is not performed to detect myeloma or precursor conditions, especially for children. 

Other factors that could increase someone's risk of developing myeloma include: 

• Age: Most patients are diagnosed over the age of 65.
• Gender: Slightly more male patients are diagnosed with myeloma than females.
• Race: Blacks are 2-3 times more likely to develop multiple myeloma than whites. Researchers believe that there is a genetic link for this population. 
• Obesity: Being overweight or obese increases a person's risk of developing myeloma.
• Having precursor conditions: People with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), smoldering myeloma or a single lesion (called a solitary plasmacytoma) can increase the risk of developing the disease.