Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia Prevention and Screening
Waldenstrom’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 Waldenstrom’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 Waldenstrom’s.
Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia Risk Factors
Anything that increases your chance of getting Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia cancer is a risk factor. Although Waldenstrom’s has no proven risk factors, certain things seem to make you more likely to develop it.
- Age: People over age 50 get Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia more often
- Race: Waldenstrom’s is more common in white people
- Gender: Men are more likely to develop Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia
- Family history of Waldenstrom’s or another type of lymphoma
Not everyone with risk factors gets Waldenstrom’s. However, if you have risk factors, it’s a good idea to discuss them with your doctor.
Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia Prevention
The exact cause of most cases of Waldenstrom’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 Waldenstrom’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 Waldenstrom’s
- Customized care by teams of experts
- Clinical trials of new treatments
Waldenstroms Macroglobulinemia Knowledge Center
Treatment at MD Anderson
Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia is treated in our: