Multiple myeloma

Trends in mortality from multiple myeloma from 1960 to 1989 are reviewed for 20 countries and examined in greater detail for England and Wales, Sweden and Japan. Percentage increases in mortality were greater in older age groups and were smaller in the most recent decade than in the previous two years. In most countries with relatively high rates, such as Sweden, the rates were stable in the last 10 years considered, whereas in countries with low rates, such as Japan, the rates continued to rise. The male:female ratio is now about 1.45 and is slightly higher in countries with high rates and may be increasing. The British Isles stand out as an area with relatively high rates that are continuing to increase steadily.