Medically reviewed by Jimena Vicencio, MD, on September 17, 2026.
If you have multiple myeloma, you may wonder what it means for your family’s risk. Myeloma is not usually inherited, but genes can affect a person's chance of developing it.
What does "hereditary" mean for multiple myeloma?
Hereditary means something can be passed from a parent to a child through genes. Multiple myeloma is not usually passed directly through families. However, some inherited gene changes can raise a person's risk.
Inherited changes are different from changes that develop in myeloma cells. Changes in myeloma cells can affect how the cancer grows or responds to treatment. These changes are not always inherited.
Does multiple myeloma run in families?
Multiple myeloma can occur more often in some families. A first-degree relative is a parent, sibling, or child. These relatives have about 2 to 4 times the risk of myeloma.
Family history can also raise the risk of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). MGUS occurs when abnormal plasma cells make an abnormal protein without signs of active myeloma. First-degree relatives of people with myeloma or MGUS have about 2 to 3 times the risk of developing MGUS.
These numbers describe relative risk. They do not show a person's exact chance of getting myeloma. Myeloma remains uncommon.
What increases the risk of multiple myeloma?
Several factors are linked to a higher risk of myeloma. However, having a risk factor does not mean you will develop it.
What causes multiple myeloma?
There is no single known cause of multiple myeloma. Myeloma develops through changes in plasma cells, genes, and the bone marrow.
Myeloma develops from an earlier condition such as MGUS. Most people with MGUS never develop myeloma. In some people, abnormal plasma cells gain more changes over time. These changes can help the cells grow and lead to myeloma.
What triggers multiple myeloma?
Researchers have not found one event that triggers myeloma. Studies have looked at obesity, radiation, certain chemicals, and workplace or environmental exposures. More research is needed to understand how much these factors affect risk.
Who is most likely to get multiple myeloma?
Age is one of the strongest risk factors. Myeloma is most often diagnosed in older adults. It also occurs more often in men than in women.
Black people in the United States have a higher rate of myeloma than White people. Researchers are studying why. Genetic, environmental, social, and other factors may play a role.
Which inherited genes are linked to multiple myeloma?
Researchers have found inherited variants in several genes in people with myeloma. These include BRCA1, BRCA2, CDKN2A, KDM1A, DIS3, and USP45. Other studies have found possible links involving genes such as ARID1A, EP300, ATM, and CHEK2.
Some family studies have also found variants in MYH14, EPOR, HERC1, KLHL18, and KLHDC3. More research is needed to understand how much these genes affect myeloma risk.
These findings do not mean there is one inherited "myeloma gene." Instead, inherited changes in several genes may raise risk in some people.
Genetic testing for multiple myeloma
Genetic testing has two roles in myeloma. Tests on myeloma cells can find somatic mutations. These gene changes develop in the body cells and are not inherited.
One common test is fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). It finds chromosome changes in myeloma cells. Results can help doctors understand myeloma risk and choose treatment. Read What’s Genetic Testing in Multiple Myeloma? to learn more.
Germline testing looks for gene changes present from birth that can be inherited. One study of 1,681 people with myeloma found harmful or likely harmful germline variants in 8.6% of one group and 11.5% of another. The study found inherited variants in several cancer-related genes, including BRCA1 and BRCA2.
Researchers suggested considering germline testing for people diagnosed with myeloma at a younger age. It may also be useful for people with a personal or family history of cancer. A genetic counselor can help decide if testing makes sense.
If a family member has multiple myeloma, should you be tested or screened?
There is no standard recommendation to screen every relative of someone with myeloma. Screening is being studied, especially in families with several cases of myeloma, MGUS, or other cancers.
A genetic counselor can review your family history and discuss whether testing may help. If a person with myeloma has an inherited cancer-related gene change, relatives may consider testing for that specific change.
Understanding your family's risk
Multiple myeloma is not usually passed directly from parent to child. However, inherited genes can raise risk in some families. If you are concerned about your family's risk, ask your care team whether genetic counseling may help.
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