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 2024 Canadian Cancer Statistics1
Projected new myeloma cases and incidence rate: The number of new myeloma cases diagnosed in 2024 was estimated at 4,100 (2,400 males and 1,750 females; totals do not add up due to rounding)—representing an age-standardized incidence rate of 10.5 in 100,000 for males and 6.6 in 100,000 for females.1
Projected myeloma deaths and death rate: The total number of deaths from myeloma in Canada was estimated at 1,750 (1,000 males and 720 females; totals do not add up due to rounding)—representing an age-standardized mortality rate of 4.5 in 100,000 for males and 2.6 in 100,000 for females.1
Approximately 11 people are diagnosed with myeloma each day.1
According to the 2023 Canadian Cancer Statistics2
Percent distribution of projected new myeloma cases: Myeloma accounts for 1.9% of total projected new Canadian cancer cases in males and 1.4% in 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
According to a Canadian Cancer Statistics 2022 special report on cancer prevalences3
As of 2022, the prevalence of myeloma was determined to be 1 in 2,505 Canadians affected by the disease. Comparatively, more Canadians were living with myeloma in 2022 than with better-known cancers such as liver cancer (1 in 5511), pancreatic cancer (1 in 5011), and esophageal cancer (1 in 7397).3
1Projected estimates of cancer in Canada in 2024, Brenner DR, et al; Canadian Cancer Statistics Advisory Committee.
2Canadian Cancer Statistics: A 2023 special report on cancer prevalence, Canadian Cancer Statistics Advisory in collaboration with the Canadian Cancer Society, Statistics Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada.
3Canadian Cancer Statistics: A 2022 special report on cancer prevalence, Canadian Cancer Statistics Advisory in collaboration with the Canadian Cancer Society, Statistics Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada.