Multiple myeloma is cancer of the plasma cells in bone marrow. Normally, the body makes as many plasma cells as it needs but when a person has multiple myeloma, too many plasma cells are made. This causes overcrowding in the bone marrow, which prevents adequate numbers of normal blood cells forming.
Incidence
Multiple myeloma is an uncommon cancer. It is rarely seen in people under 40 years of age. About 470 people are diagnosed with multiple myeloma in Victoria each year.
Research funded
About $1.1 million has been given to fund research specifically into multiple myeloma.
In addition, more than $16.2 million has been spent on research projects looking into the detection and treatment of all tumour types (including multiple myeloma).
Overall, Cancer Council Victoria has funded $69 million worth of lab-based research in Victorian hospitals, universities and research institutions since 2003.
More on external research funded per tumour type.