Temporal trends and demographic patterns in multiple myeloma incidence in the United States: a 24-year analysis of the CDC WONDER database (1999–2022)

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell malignancy associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Recent advances in the treatment modalities have improved survival, but less is known about MM incidence and associated demographic disparities across sex, age, and racial/ethnic groups. We conducted a retrospective population-based analysis using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (CDC WONDER) database from 1999 to 2022. Annual crude and age-adjusted incidence rates (per 100,000 population) were analyzed overall and stratified by age, sex, race, and ethnicity. Temporal trends were assessed using Joinpoint regression to estimate annual percent change (APC) with 95% confidence intervals. Age-specific incidence patterns were evaluated using crude rates, and differences between consecutive age groups were assessed descriptively. Between 1999 and 2022, the age-adjusted incidence of MM increased by approximately 23%. Incidence was higher in males than females (APC: males 1.19%, females 1.19%). Black or African American individuals had the highest incidence, with greatest annual increase (APC 1.40%), whereas White individuals had a more gradual rise (APC 1.07%). Non-Hispanic individuals had higher incidence compared with Hispanic individuals. Incidence increased markedly with advancing age, peaking at 80-84 years before declining significantly among those aged ≥85 years. MM incidence has increased steadily in the United States over the past two decades, with males, older adults, Black or African American individuals, and non-Hispanic populations bearing a disproportionate disease burden. This reflects the need for further research into demographic disparities in multiple myeloma incidence. Clinical Trial Registration: This study was not a clinical trial and therefore was not registered in a clinical trial registry.