Multiple Myeloma and Osteoporosis: What’s the Link?

Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a cancer that starts in the plasma cells. Plasma cells are a type of white blood cell that helps fight infection. In multiple myeloma, the plasma cells become cancerous and grow out of control. This can lead to several problems, including:

* Bone damage

* Anemia

* Kidney damage

* Weakened immune system

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a bone disease that causes bones to become weak and brittle. It is the most common bone disease in the United States, affecting an estimated 10 million people. Osteoporosis is more common in women than men and increases with age.

Link Between Multiple Myeloma and Osteoporosis

Multiple myeloma and osteoporosis are linked because both diseases can affect the bones. Multiple myeloma can cause bone damage by:

* Producing proteins that break down bone tissue

* Interfering with the body’s ability to absorb calcium and vitamin D, which are essential for bone health

* Causing an overproduction of parathyroid hormone, which can lead to bone loss

Osteoporosis can also worsen the symptoms of multiple myeloma. For example, osteoporosis can make bones more susceptible to fractures, which can be a severe problem for people with multiple myeloma.

Preventing and Treating Multiple Myeloma and Osteoporosis

There are a few things that people with multiple myeloma can do to prevent and treat osteoporosis, including:

* Taking medication to slow down bone loss

* Getting regular exercise

* Eating a healthy diet that includes plenty of calcium and vitamin D

* Avoiding tobacco smoke and excessive alcohol consumption

If you have multiple myeloma, it is important to talk to your doctor about your risk of osteoporosis and what you can do to protect your bones.