March is recognized as Myeloma Action Month, a time dedicated to spreading awareness among the general public and the medical community about multiple myeloma, a rare hematological cancer. This event is being organized by the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF). This event encourages participants to get involved and take action to positively impact the patient community. This year’s event is focused on nurturing and fortifying your own resilience.
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 the disease 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 this cancer, click here.
Practice Resilience During Myeloma Action Month
Myeloma Action Month centers on “31 Days of Resilience.” To get involved in this year’s event, there are several different activities you can do:
- Each day in March will feature a different activity that is focused on self-care. Click here to learn more about how to participate. Each time you complete an activity, post a picture of it on social media.
- Download and share the Patient Action Letter. Better yet, print it off and mail it to your doctor.
- Share facts and statistics about the disease on your social media profiles. Don’t forget to use the hashtags #MyelomaWarrior, #IAMRESILIENT2021, and #MyelomaACTIONMonth.
- Reach out to your friends, family, and followers and ask them to get involved.
Multiple myeloma is a challenging illness, but by building up resilience this month we can rise up to meet it. Don’t miss your chance to get involved in Myeloma Action Month.
