Distribution of Cancer of Multiple Myeloma in Jamaica 2008

Abstract

Laten Andre Mclish

Objective: To determine the distribution of multiple myeloma in Jamaica 2008.

Methods: The study included all fourteen parishes. Data obtained from the Jamaica Cancer Registry located in the Pathology Department of the University of the West Indies. Population denominators obtained from the 2011 census taken by the Statistical Institute of Jamaica. The statistical package which was used to analyze the data was excel.

Results: Onset of multiple myeloma (MM) in Jamaica 2008 began in the age group 20 years to 24 years. The highest frequencies occurred in the age groups 60 years to 64 years, 70 years to 74 years and 75 years to 79 years. The median age at which MM was diagnosed was 69 years. These results indicate that age is an important risk factor in developing multiple myeloma. The crude incidence rate (CIR) was determined for both sexes in Jamaica 2008. In the case of males, the CIR for multiple myeloma was 1.5 and in the case of females, the CIR for multiple myeloma was 1.0, (male/female ratio, 1.5). Hence, there was a greater probability of males developing multiple myeloma compared to females. The CIR used to determine the probability of someone developing multiple myeloma in each parish in Jamaica. Kingston and St. Andrew were treated as one as they are so interwoven. The highest probability of developing multiple myeloma was for someone residing in Manchester (2.6), Kingston and St. Andrew (2.3), St. Ann (1.7), St. Catherine (1.5), Portland (1.2) and St. Thomas (1.1).

Conclusion: In mitigating multiple myeloma, it is important that the public be educated regarding the risk factors associated with this cancer such as age, sex, race and family history. It is also critical that screening is done by 45 years of age.

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