Multiple myeloma incorporates ICD-10 cancer codes C90.0 (Multiple myeloma).

New cases

In 2016, there were 1,948 new cases of multiple myeloma diagnosed in Australia (1,135 males and 813 females). In 2020, it is estimated that 2,339 new cases of multiple myeloma will be diagnosed in Australia (1,346 males and 993 females).

Figure 1. Estimated most common cancers diagnosed, 2020

Notes 

• Data sourced from AIHW Cancer Data in Australia 2020 web report and supplementary data tables
• More information about incidence rates for the most common cancers diagnosed can be found on the NCCI website in the ‘Cancer incidence’ section (https://ncci.canceraustralia.gov.au/diagnosis/cancer-incidence/cancer-incidence) 

In 2016, the age-standardised incidence rate was 6.9 cases per 100,000 persons (8.6 for males and 5.5 for females). In 2020, it is estimated that the age-standardised incidence rate will increase slightly to 7.5 cases per 100,000 persons (9.1 for males and 6.1 for females). The incidence rate for multiple myeloma is expected to increase with age, peaking at age group 80-84.

Figure 2. Age-standardised incidence rates for multiple myeloma, 1982 to 2016, by sex

Notes:

• Data sourced from AIHW Cancer Data in Australia 2020 web report and supplementary data tables

The number of new cases of multiple myeloma diagnosed increased from 567 (308 males and 259 females) in 1982 to 1,948 in 2016. Over the same period, the age-standardised incidence rate increased from 4.7 cases per 100,000 persons (5.9 for males and 3.8 for females) in 1982 to 6.9 cases per 100,000 in 2016.

Deaths 

In 2018, there were 990 deaths from multiple myeloma in Australia (550 males and 440 females). In 2020, it is estimated that there will be 1,054 deaths (592 males and 462 females).

Figure 3. Estimated most common causes of cancer death, 2020

Notes 

• Data sourced from AIHW Cancer Data in Australia 2020 web report and supplementary data tables
• More information about mortality rates for the most common causes of cancer death can be found on the NCCI website in the ‘Cancer mortality’ section (https://ncci.canceraustralia.gov.au/outcomes/cancer-mortality/cancer-mortality) 

In 2018, the age-standardised mortality rate was 3.2 deaths per 100,000 persons (3.9 for males and 2.7 for females). In 2020, it is estimated that the age-standardised mortality rate will be 3.3 deaths per 100,000 persons (4.0 for males and 2.6 for females). The mortality rate for multiple myeloma is expected to increase with age, peaking at age group 85-89.

Figure 4. Age-standardised mortality rates for multiple myeloma, 1982 to 2018, by sex

Notes: 

• Data sourced from AIHW Cancer Data in Australia 2020 web report and supplementary data tables

The number of deaths from multiple myeloma increased from 348 (182 males and 166 females) in 1982 to 990 in 2018. Over the same period, the age-standardised mortality rate was 3.0 deaths per 100,000 persons (3.8 for males and 2.5 for females) in 1982 and 3.2 deaths per 100,000 in 2018. 

Survival 

In 2012–2016, individuals diagnosed with multiple myeloma had a 53% chance (53% for males and 53% for females) of surviving for five years compared to their counterparts in the general Australian population. Between 1987–1991 and 2012–2016, five-year relative survival for multiple myeloma improved from 28% to 53%.

Figure 5. 5-year relative survival for multiple myeloma, 1987–1991 to 2012–2016, by sex

Notes: 

• Data sourced from AIHW Cancer Data in Australia 2020 web report and supplementary data tables

Prevalence 

At the end of 2015, there were 1,658 people living who had been diagnosed with multiple myeloma that year, 5,730 people living who had been diagnosed with multiple myeloma in the previous 5 years (from 2011 to 2015) and 9,043 people living who had been diagnosed with multiple myeloma in the previous 34 years (from 1982 to 2015).

For more information on cancer data, see the NCCI website

The National Cancer Control Indicators (NCCI) are a set of indicators across the continuum of cancer care, from Prevention and Screening through to Diagnosis, Treatment, Psychosocial care, Research and Outcomes.  The NCCI website allows users to see visual representations of data on each indicator through interactive charts.