Radiation is all around us — coming from the sun, the ground, and even medical scans. Most of the time, it’s harmless. But in high doses, it can change cells in ways that may lead to cancer, including multiple myeloma. While scientists don’t yet know exactly what causes multiple myeloma, they have identified several risk factors, including radiation.

Both natural and human-made radiation exist in our environment. According to the American Cancer Society, most people are exposed only to low levels throughout their lifetime. However, some people such as nuclear industry workers, people receiving radiation therapy for cancer, or those working with radiation delivery machines may come into contact with high doses of radiation. This exposure increases their risk of multiple myeloma — as well as their risk of developing other types of cancer including leukemia, lymphoma, thyroid cancer, lung cancer, and breast cancer.

How Can Radiation Lead to Myeloma?

Radiation can damage the genes inside cells, which can sometimes make them turn cancerous. If this happens in plasma cells — a type of white blood cell — they may start growing too fast and not die off when they should. Over time, these cancerous cells crowd out healthy cells, making it harder for the immune system to fight infections and causing other health problems.

What Is Radiation?

Radiation is energy that travels in waves and spreads out from a source.

Radiation can come in many forms, like heat or light. However, a type called ionizing radiation can increase the risk of cancer. Ionizing radiation is high-energy waves or particles that can cause changes within molecules. When ionizing radiation interacts with DNA (the genetic material that tells cells how to function), it can cause mutations (changes) in the genes leading to uncontrolled cell growth and possibly cancer.

Radiation and Myeloma

Multiple myeloma, like other forms of cancer, can develop when gene mutations occur within cells. In the case of myeloma, these changes occur within plasma cells. They produce immune system proteins called antibodies that help kill germs.

Plasma cell genes may mutate due to high levels of radiation or other causes. This can then make the cells grow and divide too quickly and stop dying when they should. Over time, these cancerous plasma cells take over the bone marrow, pushing out healthy blood cells. This uncontrolled growth eventually leads to tumors in the bone marrow, the soft tissue inside certain bones.

Sources of Radiation

Radiation can come from a few different types of sources. People may be exposed to radiation from medical procedures, other human-made sources, or the natural environment. Some sources of radiation may be easier to avoid than others.

Medical Radiation

Radiation is used to diagnose and treat several types of health conditions. Many imaging tests used to get a closer look at internal organs and tissues use small amounts of radiation. These may include:

• X-rays — Used to detect broken bones, lung infections, and dental issues
• Bone scans — Help identify bone damage, infections, or cancer spread
• Computed tomography (CT) scans — Provide detailed 3D images of organs and tissues
• Positron emission tomography (PET) scans — Used to detect cancer and measure organ function

Radiation therapy is a common cancer treatment. It uses high-energy rays or particles to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. Some people get treatment with a machine that aims radiation at a tumor. In other cases, doctors place radioactive material inside the body, close to the cancer. Radiation therapy may slightly raise the risk of developing another type of cancer. One MyMyelomaTeam member wrote, “I had radiation for breast cancer. I was also an X-ray tech for many years. This is my third cancer: Lung, breast, and multiple myeloma.” However, for many people, the benefits outweigh the risks because it can be lifesaving.

Human-Made Radiation Sources

Some jobs involve working with radiation. For example, people who perform medical imaging tests, work in uranium mines, or have jobs at nuclear power plants are exposed to radiation. People in these occupations may have a higher risk of developing cancer. For example, one study evaluated people who worked at a nuclear facility for at least a year. The researchers found that workers exposed to higher radiation doses had a higher likelihood of dying from myeloma.

Some people are exposed to radiation through tobacco products and construction materials. Additionally, some materials used for constructing homes or buildings contain radon. Radon is a natural radioactive gas that comes from the ground. The radon found in construction materials may contain low levels of radiation. Exposure may increase a person’s risk of developing various types of cancer.

Nuclear weapons are among the most significant human-made sources of radiation. Many atomic bomb survivors developed different forms of cancer after these weapons were used in Japan during World War II. Additionally, many countries have tested nuclear weapons. People who work at or live near testing sites may have been exposed to radiation that could lead to an increased risk of myeloma.

“My exposure to radiation comes from loading and working with nuclear weapons while in the Air Force from 1968 to 1972,” a member of MyMyelomaTeam said.

Nuclear power plants give off very low levels of radiation. But an accident at one of these facilities could lead to higher levels of radiation. Nuclear accidents — such as the Chernobyl disaster in 1986 — have caused severe health effects for people living nearby. But these events are very rare, and strict safety measures are in place to prevent them.

Radiation in the Natural Environment

Small amounts of radiation exist all around us. This type of radiation — called background radiation — can’t be avoided. Background radiation is always in the environment and comes from natural sources like the sun, rocks, and even the air we breathe. It doesn’t likely account for many cancer cases.

Cosmic rays cause some radiation exposure. They come from outer space and travel through the earth’s atmosphere into the ground. People who live at higher altitudes or work on airplanes may come into contact with cosmic rays more often.

Some radioactive substances are naturally found in the ground and rocks. Occasionally, very small amounts of radiation may end up in food or water after coming into contact with these radioactive elements.

Radon gas is found within the earth. It may be found at low levels in the outdoor air, as well as indoors within basements or in building construction materials. Breathing in radon over a long period can increase the risk of lung cancer, which is why homes in some areas are tested for radon levels.

Avoiding Radiation Exposure

Everyone is exposed to some radiation throughout their lives. However, there may be steps you can take to minimize this exposure.

Many medical imaging tests use less radiation than they used to. However, to reduce a person’s risk of developing cancer in the future, their doctor may suggest they use a lower radiation dose or undergo a different type of test, such as an ultrasound or MRI, which do not use radiation. If you need to undergo a medical procedure that involves radiation, ask your healthcare team about the long-term effects, both positive and negative. Usually, the benefits are worth the potential risks.

If your job involves radiation exposure, you will likely learn safety rules. For example, people who work in nuclear power plants, hospitals, or labs may wear protective clothing, stand behind lead shields, or use monitors to check their radiation levels. Some jobs also require workers to join a radiation monitoring program to track their exposure. Following workplace safety guidelines can help reduce risks.

It’s difficult to limit your exposure to most sources of background radiation. However, you can check for high radon levels within your home or workspace using a testing kit, available online or from home improvement stores. If you detect elevated levels of radon, you can hire a licensed professional to implement a radon reduction system. This may involve improving the building’s ventilation system.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On MyMyelomaTeam, the social network for people with multiple myeloma and their loved ones, more than 28,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with myeloma.

Are you worried about health risks related to radiation? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.