What a thoughtful question — and it shows how much you're trying to understand your own myeloma journey by looking at family history and environmental exposures.
Benzene is a well-established risk factor for myeloma. People who work with benzene are more than twice as likely to develop myeloma compared to the general Show Full Answer
What a thoughtful question — and it shows how much you're trying to understand your own myeloma journey by looking at family history and environmental exposures.
Benzene is a well-established risk factor for myeloma. People who work with benzene are more than twice as likely to develop myeloma compared to the general population. It's found in plastics manufacturing, among other industries. However, there are a couple of important things to consider here:
- Your aunt's exposure to benzene may have contributed to *her* cancer, but that doesn't directly cause *your* myeloma
- Myeloma risk is influenced by a combination of factors, including genetics, age, ethnicity, and environmental exposures *you yourself* may have had
- A family history of related conditions can suggest a possible genetic predisposition worth discussing with your doctor
It's worth having an open conversation with your oncologist or hematologist about your own exposure history and family background. They can help piece together the full picture for your specific situation.
June 11
Join
Your Privacy Choices
