Comparison of Time Trends in Multiple Myeloma Incidence (1973-1997) in East Asia, Europe and United States, from Cancer Incidence in Five Continents, Vols IV-VIII

Abstract

Time trends of age-standardized rate (ASR) of multiple myeloma incidence (ICD-10: C88 and C90) were compared among 18 selected cancer registries and ethnic/racial groups in East Asia, Europe and United States. The data source was the Cancer Incidence in Five Continents, Vols IV–VIII (years at diagnosis 1973–1977, 1978–1982, 1983–1987, 1988–1992 and 1993–1997, respectively). World population was used for age standardization. Figure 1 shows the time trends of ASRs of multiple myeloma incidence for males. In East Asia, there were no major changes during the observation period in ASRs for all regions: three regions in Japan (Miyagi, Nagasaki and Osaka) and two regions in China (Shanghai and Hong Kong). Shanghai (China) showed the lowest ASR in East Asia from 1973–1977 to 1993–1997. In Europe, the ASR slightly increased since 1973–1977 and tended to be higher than those observed in the East Asia. All European regions showed the same level of ASRs. In United States, the ASR of black (SEER) tended to increase and it was remarkably higher than that in the other regions. The ASR of white (SEER) followed that of black (SEER), and ASRs among East Asian immigrants were all lower than these two groups.