Multiple myeloma in Oklahoma: racial, age, sex, geographic and time variations

Oklahoma death certificates listing multiple myeloma as the underlying cause of death during the period 1950-1970 were examined for secular trends, and geographic and demographic characteristics associated with the disease. An upward trend in the death rates for all age, sex and race groups was found; the most dramatic increases were seen in the oldest age groups. During the 20-year period, the death rate for white males 75 years of age and older increased tenfold. For white females 75 years of age and older. It increased eightfold. White male rates were constantly higher and showed a sharper increase in age-adjusted death rates than white female rates. Because of the low number of nonwhite deaths in Oklahoma from multiple myeloma, the rates showed extreme fluctuations. After adjustments were made for age differences, the nonwhite annual rate was 2.36 per 100,000 compared with 1.62 for the white population. There was not enough information to draw conclusions about the geographic distribution of multiple myeloma. Findings for the Oklahoma population were consistent with the few previously reported studies.