Statistics help show the “big picture” but do not predict individual outcomes
Canada is one of few countries in the world with a national “cancerA term for diseases in which malignant cells divide without control. Cancer cells can invade nearby tissues and spread through the bloodstream and lymphatic system to other parts of the body. registry system” that allows cancer measures to be monitored across the entire population.
The provincial, territorial, and national cancer registries are important resources. They provide the raw data necessary for better research, knowledge exchange, planning, and decision-making at all levels.
When looking at this kind of data, it is important to keep in mind that because statistics/rates (like incidenceThe number of new cases of a disease diagnosed each year., prevalence, 5-year survival, average annual percent change) are based on large numbers of people with cancer, they cannot predict exactly what might happen to any specific person. They can sometimes be very general in nature, and for others, too specific.
Statistics are often just estimates, made with data that may be several years old and might not reflect the impact of more recent advances in early detection and/or treatments.
Statistics may not account for the impact of other factors such as additional illnesses or causes of death, individual responses to treatments, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the Canadian Cancer Statistics: a 2022 special report on cancer prevalence:
Projected new myeloma cases and incidence rate: The number of new myeloma cases diagnosed in 2022 was estimated at 4,000 (2,400 males and 1,550 females; totals do not add up due to rounding)—representing an incidence rate of 10.9 in 100,000 for males and 6.4 in 100,000 for females.1
Approximately 11 people are diagnosed with myeloma each day.1
According to Canadian Cancer Statistics 2021, myeloma accounts for 1.9% of total projected new Canadian cancer cases in males and 1.4% in females.2
Annual percent change in myeloma incidence rates (1984–2017)
Compared to other cancers, the incidence rate of myeloma in males has increased the most (2.5% per year) and has been increasing since 2007 (about 2.5% per year). Myeloma has been increasing in females since 2005 (about 1.6% per year).2
Projected myeloma deaths and death rate
The total number of deaths from myeloma in Canada was estimated at 1,620 (930 males and 690 females); the national death rate was 3.5 per 100,000 people (4.5 for males and 2.7 for females).2
Myeloma survival over time (1992–1994 versus 2015–2017)
Compared to other cancers, myeloma has had one of the largest increases in survival over time (23 percentage points). The 5-year survival for myeloma between 2015-2017 was predicted to be 50% (males and females combined), meaning that 50% of myeloma cases will survive at least 5 years past diagnosisThe process of identifying a disease by its signs and symptoms.. The 10-year survival for myeloma between 2015–2017 was predicted to be 30% (males and females combined).2
- Canadian Cancer Statistics: A 2022 spcial report on cancer prevalence, Canadian Cancer Statistics Advisory in collaboration with the Canadian Cancer Society, Statistics Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada.
- 2021 Canadian Cancer Statistics report, developed by the Canadian Cancer Statistics Advisory Committee in collaboration with the Canadian Cancer Society, Statistics Canada, and the Public Health Agency of Canada.