Assocation of body mass index with risk of multiple myeloma in the Black Women’s Health Study

Obesity is an established risk factor for multiple myeloma (MM). Relatively few prior studies have evaluated association in Black populations. Analysis among participants of the prospective Black Women’s Health Study found that women with an adult BMI ≥ 35 kg/m² compared with women with BMI < 25 kg/m² had a MM-HR 1.38 (95% CI 0.96-1.98). For BMI at age 18 years, the HR comparing women with BMI≥ 25 versus < 25 kg/m² was 1.57 (95% CI 1.08-2.28). Women who were heavy in both early and later life had the highest risk compared to those who were lean at both time points (HR 1.60; 95% CI 1.02-2.52). Height was also associated with the risk of MM (per 10 cm increase HR 1.21; 95% CI 1.02-1.43). The authors conclude that these results highlight the potential importance of weight control for prevention of MM among Black women.