Risk of Multiple Myeloma, Allergies and Agricultural Exposures

A number of studies conducted recently have suggested that farmers are at elevated risk of multiple myeloma (Cantor and Blair 1984, Burmeister et al 1983, Boffetta et al 1989). We have conducted a small case-control study of multiple myeloma in the province of British Columbia in order to investigate the influence of medical history, smoking, alcohol consumption, occupation, some aspects of diet, and other factors on risk of the disease. This paper summarizes the results.