March is not just multiple myeloma awareness month…
…it is multiple myeloma ACTION month!
Multiple myeloma is a form of cancer that develops in a type of white blood cell called a plasma cell. Plasma cells help fight infections by making antibodies that recognize and attack germs.
Multiple myeloma causes cancer cells to accumulate in the bone marrow, where they crowd out healthy blood cells. These myeloma cells result in the production of abnormal antibodies, or M proteins. A high level of M protein in the blood is the hallmark characteristic of multiple myeloma.
According to the American Cancer Society, about 30,770 new cases will be diagnosed in 2018, and about 12,770 deaths are sadly expected.
So that’s why we are celebrating myeloma action month!
This year’s myeloma action campaign focuses on individuals like YOU – #Myeloma Warriors – who are fighting with the disease, supporting others with it, or helping to find the cure.
Here are some things you can do to honor #MyelomaActionMonth, thanks in great part to the International Myeloma Foundation.
Listen to real stories
Click here to listen to real myeloma stories from warriors who have encountered the disease. It’s one thing to read accounts or statistics – it’s a whole other thing to hear from their own voices how they have fought and continue to fight with myeloma; either for themselves or for others.
Fill out and send a patient action letter
It’s important to raise awareness about myeloma for doctors and medical professionals. Click here for a a myeloma awareness letter that is already written for you asking doctor and medical professionals to be more aware of myeloma. The more doctors and medical community see this, the more they will take seriously the threat of myeloma.
Visit the International Myeloma Foundation to connect with others
The International Myeloma Foundation has plenty of resources for you during action month – and all year round. Importantly, it gives you an opportunity to connect with others, because there are strength in numbers; especially for the rare disease community!
