canadian statistics for multiple myeloma

Canada is one of the few nations in the world with a population-based cancer registry system that allows cancer patterns to be monitored for the entire Canadian population.

The provincial/territorial and national cancer registries are important resources that enable the geographic comparison of rates of new cancer cases and deaths. This results in valuable information that can be used for research, knowledge exchange, and planning and decision-making at the provincial/territorial level. These data are therefore of interest to researchers, health care workers, planners and policy-makers.

Interpretation of geographical differences should, however, be approached with caution since there may be a number of possible alternative explanations.

Keep in mind that cancer survival statistics 

• are very general in nature
• are based on large numbers of people with cancer and cannot predict exactly what will happen to a particular person
• are based on data that may be several years old and not reflect the impact of recent advances in early detection or treatment
• may not account for additional illnesses, individual responses to treatments, or people who die of another cause
• can vary widely within each stage of cancer

According to Canadian Cancer Statistics 2008, the total new cases of multiple myeloma in Canada in 2008 are estimated at 2,100 (Males 1,150; Females 960).  This represents 1.3% of total new cases of cancer in men and 1.2% of total new cases of cancer in women.  The total number of deaths from multiple myeloma are estimated at 1,350 for 2008 (Males 730; Females 630).

Estimated New Cases for Multiple Myeloma by Sex and Province, Canada, 2005

Estimated Age-Standardized Incidence Rates for Multiple Myeloma by Sex and Province, Canada, 2005   (Rate per 100,000)

 Estimated Deaths for Multiple Myeloma by Sex and Province, Canada, 2005

Estimated Age-Standardized Mortality Rates for Multiple Myeloma by Sex and Province, Canada, 2005    (Rate per 100,000)

  Cancer Incidence by Age Group Multiple Myeloma, 2005, Canada Age-Standardized Incidence                   (Rate per 100,000)

Notes:

• Unless otherwise indicated, the information on the charts is derived from the Chronic Disease Surveillance Division, CCDPC, Public Health Agency of Canada.
• Caution is needed if the 2008 estimates are compared to previously published estimates as definitions for this cancer have changed.
• Statistics shown are based on years that both information for males & females is available.