New Zealand Myeloma Data

In New Zealand almost 500 are diagnosed with myeloma each year, and there are over 200 deaths a year. Myeloma is more common in men and those over 70.

Of those diagnosed between 1999 and 2021:

  • 53% were aged 70 and over
  • 31% were men 70 and over
  • 3% were under 40
  • 73% were in the North Island
  • 26% were in the South Island
  • A small number (less than half a percent) were overseas or region not recorded.

Data below was provided to MNZ in February 20224. Myeloma NZ has requested up to date myeloma data from Health New Zealand and will post it when available.

(Please note that as in the second table below, the smaller number of younger patients means they aren’t easily visible in the graph above). 

Year Number diagnosed Number of deaths
1999 212
2000 242 135
2001 245 149
2002 264 143
2003 240 154
2004 240 148
2005 251 154
2006 262 147
2007 262 177
2008 263 164
2009 285 124
2010 310 166
2011 297 192
2012 358 156
2013 356 174
2014 381 199
2015 384 171
2016 406 205
2017 408 212
2018 413 208
2019 437
2020 428
2021 454

 

Myeloma diagnosed 1999 to 2021
Gender Female Male 
20- 1 2
25- 1 5
30- 9 15
35- 16 35
40- 62 69
45- 129 153
50- 174 272
55- 264 381
60- 362 495
65- 414 622
70- 439 723
75- 447 644
80- 407 522
85+ 354 381
Diagnosed 1999 to 2021
Region Patients
Northland 346
Waitemata 806
Auckland 638
Counties Manakau 641
Waikato 634
Lakes 184
Bay of Plenty 432
Tairawhiti 67
Hawkes Bay 279
Taranaki 189
Midcentral 335
Whanganui 135
Capital & Coast 411
Hutt Valley 240
Wairarapa 81
Nelson Marlborough 272
West Coast 67
Canterbury 940
South Canterbury 116
Otago 338
Southland 221
Overseas and undefined 26
Total New Zealand 7398