Multiple Myeloma Cancer: What Causes It and Risk Factors

I am always excited to meet and talk with people who are interested in protecting their health. At a recent Multiple Myeloma cancer prevention event in New York City that I attended a few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to do just that. I met a lovely lady who purchased my book at this event and forced me to look at multiple myeloma cancer prevention and some of the risk factors when she asked me, “Can Multiple Myeloma be prevented with diet alone?” 

Knowing that there is no known etiology for multiple myeloma and that several risk factors play a role in this disease developing, I said “no, I don’t believe so. There are multiple factors that increase the risk of this disease.”

Well I thought about her question, and my response, while on the flight back home. I realized that I needed to do more research on the topic of prevention for this disease. There could be prevention data I may have missed.

After doing some research, I quickly realized the data is scarce on multiple myeloma prevention. And fortunately, I did not give her a false answer!

Multiple Myeloma Cancer Prevention: Some of the Emerging Data

Research is emerging on multiple myeloma, diet, and the prevention of this disease.  Here are some of the hot topics as related to prevention: 1) how inflammatory foods may increase risk, 2) the role of prolonged fasting on prevention, and 3) how the gut microbiome may impact disease risk.

While there are no extensive studies into these areas, here’s what we know on multiple myeloma cancer prevention:

1. Men who eat a high-inflammatory diet have about a 16% increased risk of developing MM. (Check out our recent articles on high-inflammatory  foods that increase risk of cancer and heart disease, and the anti-inflammatory foods that decrease risk)
2. Plant-based diets decrease the risk of MM when compared to meat-eating diets
3. What foods are good to reduce risk? Fruits, vegetables/cruciferous vegetables, whole grains, seafood, and some vitamin supplements

Multiple myeloma cancer

Gut Microbiome and Multiple Myeloma Cancer

What about those with MGUS? Can patients with MGUS reduce their risk of progression to multiple myeloma cancer? Nurturing your gut microbiome may be one answer. And right now it does not address the benefit of a healthy gut microbiome for African American patients with MGUS who are at higher risk.

More culturally tailored interventions are needed in the African American community.

Watch My Latest Video: The Rise in Cancer in Those Under 50

Thoughts

Thanks for reading this article, “Multiple Myeloma Cancer: Prevention and Risk Factors.” If you have any thoughts or comments, share them below. Schedule a complimentary 15-min call with me to get clear on what modern, science-based cancer prevention looks like.

 FREE RESOURCES

Have more cancer prevention questions? We may have the answers in our free resources. Read or download them now:

1. Download the FREE eBook “HEALTHY FOOD SWAPS” if you’re ready to ditch processed and ultra-processed foods (which are linked to chronic inflammation) with healthier snack options. You’ll also get a list of healthy snacks according to weight and health goals (heart, brain focus, energy)
2. READ about the 10 foods that prevent cancer and our article on 6 Foods for Cancer Prevention

3. Read the article 4 Tips to Improve Breast Cancer Survival along with The Breast Cancer Diet that Increases Survival, then DOWNLOAD the FREE breast cancer survival kit that includes questions to ask your doctor, 8 tips to help lower your risk of a new or recurring breast cancer diagnosis, and 3 days of easy plant-based recipes.

4. Read the article Prevent a Colon Cancer Recurrence and The Optimal Colon Cancer Diet

ABOUT THE CANCER DETOX

Hi! I am Dee Grace Ph.D., scientist, author, and health coach based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Cancer Detox helps cancer patients, survivors, and those wanting to stay ahead of the curve prevent a new or recurring cancer with science-based health coaching.

Is the fear of cancer keeping you up at night? Is what you’re eating putting you at risk for cancer? What if you’re doing everything wrong and don’t even know it? Schedule a complimentary 15-min call with me to get clear on what modern, science-based cancer prevention looks like.

Purchase my book “Cancer Prevention: Diet and Lifestyle Factors that Reduce Your Risk” on Amazon. Pulling from over 100 science-based studies, I provide the case for why cancer isn’t always random and often preventable. You’ll get 24 Prevention Habits that hold you accountable for implementing a cancer prevention lifestyle. along with over 40 cancer prevention guidelines for fighting breast, lung, colon, and prostate cancers.

DISCLAIMER

The information in this article is for educational purposes and is not meant to treat, diagnose, or prescribe medications or herbs. For questions on the information contained in this article, please consult with your healthcare provider. This information is intended for educational purposes only, and you should consult with your healthcare provider and a licensed dietician or certified nutritionist for additional information related to the content of this article.

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