New research indicates that the number of Australians diagnosed with a complex blood cancer is expected to increase significantly over the next 25 years. By 2043, it is estimated that around 80,000 individuals will be diagnosed with multiple myeloma, representing a 15 percent rise from previous projections.
The study, led by the Daffodil Centre in collaboration with Cancer Council NSW and the University of Sydney, predicts a decrease of approximately 27.5 percent in mortality rates related to this type of cancer. However, despite this improvement, the research published in the Medical Journal of Australia suggests that about 28,000 individuals—equivalent to more than one in a thousand of the current population—will succumb to the disease.
Multiple myeloma affects plasma cells in the bone marrow responsible for producing antibodies to combat infections. When a person develops myeloma, these cells do not function properly, leading to overcrowding in the marrow and hindering the growth of new cells.
Common symptoms of multiple myeloma include fatigue, recurring infections, and unexplained bone pain or bruising, which can be subtle and easily overlooked. The average age at diagnosis is 71, with 90 percent of patients having multiple lesions at the time of diagnosis.
Treating multiple myeloma is challenging, and there is limited knowledge about preventing the disease or identifying individuals at higher risk, according to Associate Professor Eleonora Feletto, the lead author of the study. Factors such as age, family history, radiation exposure, and obesity are known to increase the risk of developing multiple myeloma.
The research also highlights the significant financial burden associated with treating multiple myeloma due to the complexity of treatment regimens and patient care requirements. While there is no national screening program for myeloma in Australia, simple blood and urine tests can aid in early detection.
Cancer Council NSW advocates for increased funding for early detection initiatives and prevention studies aimed at identifying strategies for early intervention and improving survival rates. The organization emphasizes the importance of enhancing cancer services to ensure high-quality care for all individuals, regardless of their location.
Anita Dessaix, the council’s director of cancer prevention and advocacy, underscores the need for the healthcare system to evolve to meet future demands, urging governments to review and update clinical guidelines accordingly.
