OBJECTIVES: This population-based cohort study aims to estimate the incidence of multiple myeloma in the Chinese urban population and investigate patient mobility patterns.

METHODS: Utilizing data from the Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance (UEBMI) and Urban Resident Basic Medical Insurance (URBMI) covering 95% of the urban Chinese population from 2012 to 2016, this study identified multiple myeloma cases based on primary diagnoses. Patient mobility was determined by those receiving medical services outside their household registration city.

RESULTS: A total of 34,252 multiple myeloma patients were identified, with 42.79% being female, and an average age of 60.72. The incidences per 100,000 population increased from 0.48 (2012) to 0.82 (2016), marking a 70.8% rise over five years. Multiple myeloma incidences in urban males were 1.2 times higher than in females during this period. Subgroup analysis revealed a notable increase in incidence among males aged 60 and above, contributing significantly to the gender disparity and overall incidence rise (1.35 in 2012 to 3.80 in 2016 per 100,000 population). The median survival time was 252 days, and no seasonality trend was detected. In 2016, 90.1% of patients sought medical services within their household registration city, 7.9% in another city within the same province, and 2.0% were cross-province patients, predominantly directed towards medically developed areas.

CONCLUSIONS: The substantial increase in clinically recognized multiple myeloma incidence in urban China suggests a growing health concern. Future efforts should focus on enhancing early detection strategies, reinforcing medical infrastructure in high-incidence regions, and fostering collaborations between provinces to facilitate seamless healthcare access for patients across urban China. Such initiatives are imperative for effectively managing and mitigating the impact of this growing health concern.