Canada is one of the few nations in the world with a population-based cancer registry system that allows cancer patterns to be monitored for the entire Canadian population.
The provincial/territorial and national cancer registries are important resources that enable the geographic comparison of rates of new cancer cases and deaths. This results in valuable information that can be used for research, knowledge exchange, and planning and decision-making at the provincial/territorial level. These data are therefore of interest to researchers, health care workers, planners and policy-makers.
Interpretation of geographical differences should, however, be approached with caution since there may be a number of possible alternative explanations.
Keep in mind that cancer survival statistics
According to the 2011 Canadian Cancer Statistics report released by the Canadian Cancer Society, the total new cases of multiple myeloma diagnosed annually in Canada are estimated at 2,300 (Males 1,300; Females 1000), representing an incidence of 5 in 100,000 people. This corresponds to 1.4% of total new cases of cancer in men and 1.2% of total new cases of cancer in women. The total number of deaths from multiple myeloma were estimated at 1,350 (Males 730; Females 640.)
To view the complete report, click here.
Incidence describes the number of new cases of cancer diagnosed in a year, whereas mortality indicates the number of deaths attributed to cancer.
Prevalence is the total number of cases of a disease in a given population at a specific time. Prevalence is influenced by both the incidence and mortality rate. Prevalence increases when survival rates increase, even though incidence remains the same. As multiple myeloma patients live longer, the prevalence increases.
Canada
NL
PE
NS
NB
QC
ON
MB
SK
AB
BC
Males
1,300
15
10
40
30
350
510
35
110
150
Females
1,000
5
25
270
420
90
Totals
2,300
70
55
620
930
60
200
260
6
4
7
3
730
290
20
95
640
--
160
50
75
1,370
45
367
580
105
170
2
2-year
(diagnosed since 2005)
5-year
(diagnosed since 2002)
10-year
(diagnosed since 1997)
1,595
2,804
3,643
1,259
2,288
3,002
Total
2,854
5,092
6,645
Notes:
Get the PDF version of the myeloma handbook by clicking here...
Myeloma Canada is affiliated with the International Myeloma Foundation, the world's oldest and largest myeloma organization
Myeloma Canada gratefully acknowledges the generous unrestricted educational grants from our website sponsors:
