Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia Prevention and Screening
Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia Screening
Cancer screening exams are important medical tests done when you're at risk but don’t have symptoms. They help find cancer at its earliest stage, when the chances for successful treatment are best.
Unfortunately, there are no screening tests that help diagnose Waldenström's macroglobulinemia early. The best idea is to watch for symptoms, especially if you have risk factors that might make you more likely to develop Waldenström's.
Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia Risk Factors
Anything that increases your chance of getting Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia cancer is a risk factor. Although Waldenström's has no proven risk factors, certain things seem to make you more likely to develop it.
- Age: People over age 50 get Waldenström's macroglobulinemia more often
- Race: Waldenström's is more common in white people
- Gender: Men are more likely to develop Waldenström's macroglobulinemia
- Family history of Waldenström's or another type of lymphoma
Not everyone with risk factors gets Waldenström's. However, if you have risk factors, it’s a good idea to discuss them with your doctor.
Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia Prevention
The exact cause of most cases of Waldenström's is not known. There are no known lifestyle changes to lower the risk of developing it.
Research shows that many cancers can be prevented. Visit the Prevention section of our website to find out steps you can take to avoid cancer.
Why Choose MD Anderson?
- Leading-edge Waldenström's macroglobulinemia treatments available at only a few centers in the nation, including targeted therapies
- Innovative treatment options with best outcomes and least impact on your body
- High level of experience and expertise in Waldenström's
- Customized care by teams of experts
- Clinical trials of new treatments
Waldenströms Macroglobulinemia Knowledge Center
Treatment at MD Anderson
Waldenström's macroglobulinemia is treated in our: