William,
It depends. Some are low risk and some are high risk. Others like me have comorbidities, like heart disease and Cushing’s. Some bounce back from Stage III, and go into a long remission. Others don’t. There is no Stage IV. I have two cousins, one has had MM for 21 years and the others for over 5 years. The later is currently in France traveling with his wife. Do you know what type you have? Mine is high risk, but I am not progressing quickly, which I am grateful for everyday.🙏🏻🕊️🌈
Paula🌹
May 19
Survival with myeloma is a topic many people understandably want to understand better. The good news is that outcomes have been improving steadily as new treatments become available.
The overall five-year relative survival rate for myeloma is around 61–62 percent. This means that, on average, people with myeloma are about Show Full Answer
Survival with myeloma is a topic many people understandably want to understand better. The good news is that outcomes have been improving steadily as new treatments become available.
The overall five-year relative survival rate for myeloma is around 61–62 percent. This means that, on average, people with myeloma are about 61–62% as likely as someone without myeloma to be alive five years after diagnosis.
Age plays a role in survival rates too:
- Under 50 — around 76–93% five-year survival
- Ages 50–64 — around 69–85% five-year survival
- Age 65+ — around 51–69% five-year survival
It's really important to remember that these statistics are based on data from at least five years ago, so they don't reflect the newest treatments available today. Many people are living longer and feeling better thanks to ongoing advances in myeloma care.
Several factors can influence your individual outlook, including:
- How much myeloma is present in your body
- Genetic features of the myeloma cells
- How well the myeloma responds to treatment
- Your overall health
- Access to timely care and follow-up
Statistics can never predict what will happen for any one person. Your hematology-oncology team is the best resource for understanding your personal situation and prognosis.
May 19
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