The impact of socioeconomic status on clinical presentation of multiple myeloma

The influence of socioeconomic status on cancer diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes has been studied for several decades. In multiple myeloma, many authors are investigating the impact of poverty and social inequalities, measured by indicators such as place of residence, number of residents, occupation, income and education, the incidence, stage and management of the disease, and survival, with controversial results. The aim of this study was to ambispectively analyze the association between socioeconomic status and clinical characteristics of multiple myeloma at presentation.

A total of 296 patients, diagnosed between 2015 and 2023 in three institutions in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, were included. To assess the socioeconomic status, a social class questionnaire was administered to patients (or relatives, in the cases of death); information about educational level was collected from this interview and medical records and household income per capita were estimated, according to place of residence.

Lower socioeconomic status was associated with delayed diagnosis, symptoms at presentation, advanced stage, poorer performance status, lower hemoglobin and higher calcium values.

These findings suggest a possible relationship between socioeconomic aspects and severity of multiple myeloma presentation in Brazil, and underscore the importance of shaping health policies to promote greater equity in cancer diagnosis and treatment access.