Multiple myeloma begins when a plasma cell, which is a type of white blood cell, begins multiplying abnormally. In a healthy person, plasma cells make antibodies that fight infections. With multiple myeloma, these abnormal cells release excess protein that destroys normal blood cells. Eventually, the cancer dissolves your bones and travels to other organs.

Multiple myeloma is a form of cancer.

How Long a Person Can Live with Multiple Myeloma Depends on Several Factors

As with any cancer, the earlier that multiple myeloma is diagnosed, the better the prognosis. The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that there will be 32,110 new cases diagnosed in 2019. There is currently no cure for multiple myeloma. However, there are many treatment options that can slow or temporarily halt its progression. Some patients with multiple myeloma are in remission for many years.

Factors That Affect a Patient's Life Expectancy

There are eight distinct types of multiple myeloma, with some that are more aggressive than others. The type of multiple myeloma that you have can affect your prognosis. Other factors include:

• Stage of the cancer when diagnosed
• If you choose treatment
• Your age and overall health
• Complications such as anemia, reduced kidney function, and broken bones

The American Cancer Society states that patients with a localized form of multiple myeloma (cancer has not spread to bones or other organs) have a 71 percent chance of surviving at least five years after diagnosis. If there is a moderate progression of the disease, a patient has a 48 percent chance of living five years or longer. Approximately 12,900 people will lose their lives to multiple myeloma in 2019. A person can live with multiple myeloma but not for long.

Who Is at Risk for Multiple Myeloma

Like all cancers, little is known about what causes multiple myeloma. However, some people may be more at risk for the disease than others.

You may be more likely to get multiple myeloma if you:

• Have an existing plasma cell disease such as monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) or solitary plasmacytoma
• Are obese
• Older than 65
• Are African American
• Have a family member with the disease

There is growing evidence that exposure to the herbicide Roundup increases your risk of getting multiple myeloma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. How long a person can live with multiple myeloma is variable, but what is known is that Roundup exposure does not help that number.

Roundup Can Increase Your Risk of Multiple Myeloma

Available since 1974, Roundup is the world's most widely used herbicide. It is a non-selective herbicide that kills weeds and other plants by preventing the plant from releasing a protein needed for growth. Agricultural, commercial, industrial, and residential consumers use Roundup.

Roundup (and other herbicides) contains glyphosate. It is this ingredient that researchers have discovered is a carcinogen (causes cancer). People who are exposed to Roundup have a 41 percent greater risk of getting cancer than people who are not exposed to the herbicide, according to a 2019 study by the University of Washington. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported evidence of glyphosate causing cancer in a report in 2015.

Some People More at Risk from Cancerous Ingredient in Roundup

The longer you are exposed to Roundup, the greater the chance you have of developing multiple myeloma and other forms of cancer. The people who are most at risk from long-term exposure include:

• Farmers and other agricultural workers
• Landscapers and lawn service workers
• Groundskeepers and greenskeepers
• Forestry workers

What Are Treatment Options for Multiple Myeloma

Your healthcare provider can recommend the best course of treatment for your individual situation, but the most common treatments for this cancer include:

• Biological therapy drugs
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation
• Corticosteroids
• Bone marrow transplant

What You Can Do if Your Cancer Is Related to Roundup

Not everyone who uses Roundup will get multiple myeloma, but you are at a greater risk of getting cancer if you use this herbicide. If you have been diagnosed with multiple myeloma and have used Roundup or another pesticide with glyphosate, you could be entitled to compensation. A person can live with multiple myeloma, but they should not have to suffer due to Bayer and Monsanto's negligence.

There have been several successful lawsuits against Monsanto and Bayer, the chemical companies who produce Roundup. Recently, a judge ordered $78 million in damages for a former school groundskeeper with terminal cancer. In another case, a jury sided with a plaintiff with cancer and awarded him $80 million in damages.

Consult a Defective Product Lawyer

Roundup is a known carcinogen. If you have multiple myeloma that is related to exposure to Roundup, you should find out your legal options. Tosi Law LLP have defective product lawyers who may be able to pursue compensation on your behalf. You could recover damages for expenses such as:

• Past and ongoing medical care
• Lifecare costs
• Disability
• Pain and suffering

We believe that companies should be held accountable for defective products. For a free consultation, please call Tosi Law LLP at 888-311-8292 or click here for more information.

Related Frequently Asked Questions

• What Is The Cancer Causing Ingredient In Roundup?
• Does Roundup Cause Multiple Myeloma?
• How Much May a Roundup Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Settlement Provide for Individuals and Families?
• How Does Roundup Cause Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma?
• Who Is Most At Risk For Roundup Exposure?