[The epidemiology of multiple myeloma in France]

From mortality and population data provided by INSERM and INSEE, we have determined the mortality rate of multiple myeloma--uncorrected, specific and standardized rates--which have enabled to conduct an epidemiological, demographic, geographic and chronological study. The demographic study done in 1981-1982, confirms that the incidence of multiple myeloma is linked to ageing and that it is higher in men. The geographic study does not find any preferential regional distribution. The chronological survey done between 1958 and 1982, shows an increased mortality rate of about 500 p. cent and this increase is seen exclusively in patients over 55. Such progression analyzed according to the model age, period, cohort, is either compatible with a cohort effect, reflection of a true incidence increase, or with a period effect depending upon age, reflection of an artificial increase linked to modifications of hygiene conditions. This last factor seems to predominate. Anyway, decreased mortality rates have been observed for the most recent generations, which should, in the future, mean a stagnation or even a decrease in the incidence of multiple myeloma.