is myeloma hereditary?

http://www.huntsmancancer.org/groups/myeloma/isMyelomaHeredi

"research into whether or not multiple myeloma runs in families strongly suggests that hereditary forms do exist."

“However, we can also identify individuals with multiple myeloma who do not exist in such clusters, which indicates that environmental or sporadic forms of the disease exist as well,”

“We found significant co-clustering of multiple myeloma with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, in particular,”

"results suggest that some of the genetic factors in multiple myeloma may be similar to the genetic risk factors for other B-cell hematologic malignancies and other solid tumors."

From Anna,

Hi UT boy, Dad got his from exposure to agent Orange in Vietnam.

Your friend,

Anna

I hope your dad filed with the VA.  Agent O caused Myeloma is a service connected rated disability

Best of luck

Doug

From Anna,

Hi Doug, Yes we know. 

Your friend,

Anna

On 10/10/2009 UTboy wrote:

I hope your dad filed with the VA.  Agent O caused Myeloma is a service connected rated disability

Best of luck

Doug

Good Morning Doug;

Interesting article!

From my history, no cancer at all as far back as both sets of grandparents.

I'm more inclined to believe that MM is environmentally acquired. Possibly due to prolonged exposure to hazardous substances. Or a combination of these substances.

Take care;

Kevin

Kevin - I believe I fall into that sub set as well.  There's ZERO history of any cancer in my family...I'm the first.  No doubt in my mind my military time has something to do with my exposure.  However, I believe something genetically failed with my immune system as well.  Like the article stated, they're finding many sub sets of MM patients.  I've met a couple of patients who had histories of blood cancers in their immediate famlies....crazy

As always, my best to you

out here

Amen my brothers!! I wasn't in the military but the base housing at Tarwara Terrace at Camp LeJeune had toxic levels of all sorts of chemicals.  I am still holding steady w/ MGUS but the USMC study said that Multiple Myeloma was one of the few cancers they would "accept" as being related to this exposure. 

For more info see today's online issue of The Saint Petersburg Times -

http://www.tampabay.com/news/military/veterans/article104454

Hugs to All,

Amy