Staging and survival rates

Once you have had all your tests, your haematologist can use your results to work out the stage of your myeloma.

How is myeloma staged?

To work out the stage of your myeloma, your haematologist will use the International Myeloma Working Group’s Revised International Staging System (R-ISS) to decide if you fit into stage one, two or three. This helps your haematologist make a plan to most effectively manage your myeloma. The criteria in this staging system are written in medical terms that your doctor can explain to you more clearly. 

Revised International Staging System (R-ISS) for myeloma

Understanding survival rates

The full version of the staging system attempts to provide an average survival rate for each stage. We haven’t included these rates here, because how well your myeloma responds to treatment and what this means for you in the longer term depends on so many different factors. Your haematologist has all the information about your myeloma and general health, and is the best person to talk to about their expectations for you. 

It’s also important to remember that published survival rates are based on people who had treatment many years ago with different therapies than the ones we have available today. 

Always remember that there are a lot of statistics, which show averages, but you are an individual, and those statistics may not apply to your individual situation.

When I was first diagnosed, the average life expectancy according to internet sources was 3–5 years. Twelve years later, I’m still here! Only your treating team can provide accurate information specific to your situation.

– Helen, Victoria