‘Multiple myeloma affecting people as young as 40’

LUCKNOW: Multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer that usually strikes people in advanced years, was now also affecting youngsters, said Dr Sudhir Singh, radiation oncologist, department of radiotherapy, King George’s Medical University (KGMU).

Addressing a press conference here on Friday, Dr Singh said the trend was worrisome.

“There have been cases where people as young as 40 years came to our hospital OPD and were diagnosed with this problem. Treatment is available, but the age of the patient has to be considered,” he said.

“Treatment depends upon the patient’s age as well as the stage of the disease. It may require radiation, chemotherapy, with the final option of bone marrow transplant,”he added.

Dr Singh said that early symptoms of the disease included tiredness, pain in bones, fever, unexplained weight loss and frequent urination and thirst.

“We are yet to understand why people get multiple myeloma. So far, what has been associated with it are chemicals used in hair colours. But there are several other reasons,” he said.

Multiple myeloma affects plasma cells.

As the disease advances, it begins to impact the production of blood-producing cells, leading to low blood count, reduced immunity, nervous system damage and even kidney failure.