Only 2.1% were aged less than 50 years.During the period 1997-2001, the incidence of multiple myeloma and malignant plasma cell neoplasms combined in men did not differ in a statistically significant sense between the 15 Scottish NHS board areas of residence compared to Scotland as a whole. In women, however, compared to Scotland as a whole, incidence was statistically significantly higher in the Grampian and WesternIsles Health Board areas, and significantly lower in the Greater Glasgow and Tayside Health Board areas.