According to a story from PR Newswire, Myeloma Action Month takes place every year during the month of March. This year, the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) is organizing around the event, which is dedicated to spreading awareness about multiple myeloma among the medical community and the general public. Continue reading to learn how you can take action this month and make a positive contribution to this rare cancer community.

About Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma, which is occasionally referred to as plasma cell myeloma, is a blood cancer that affects plasma cells. These are white blood cells that produce antibodies. The overall cause of multiple myeloma is not well understood; however, some risk factors have been identified. These include obesity, family history, smoldering myeloma, and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance. These last two conditions have the potential to develop into multiple myeloma. Symptoms of this cancer include bone pain, infections, anemia, kidney failure, overly thick blood, confusion, fatigue, headaches, and amyloidosis. Treatment includes chemo, stem cell transplant, and other medications for relapsed disease, which is common. Five year survival rate is 49 percent in the US. To learn more about multiple myeloma, click here.

Social media is always a big part of rare disease awareness campaigns like this, so make sure to use the hashtag #MYelomaACTION when posting about Myeloma Action Month.

Where to Get Started:

1. Use the MAM website photo uploader (mam.myeloma.org) to share images of you taking action and share across social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and more.
2. Share IMF’s myeloma facts and stats (found here) to help spread awareness.
3. Develop a PSA about the campaign for local media, like radio, newspapers, or TV stations. This press release sample can help you get started.
4. You can also use the social media toolkit to change your profile pictures to the campaign logo.
5. Download the Patient Action Letter from IMF CSO and Chairman Brian G.M. Durie, MD. Personalize and share with the medical professionals in your life.
6. Are you a multiple myeloma patient? Join a support group or learn how to get one started in your area with the help of IMF VP of Support Groups Robin Tuohy ([email protected]).
7. Get some Myeloma Action Month merch and share a selfie with it on social media.

There’s plenty to do for Myeloma Action Month, so click here if you want more info.