March is a very important time in the ongoing battle against blood cancer, specifically, myeloma. “The annual commemoration, initially established as Myeloma Awareness Month in 2009 by the International Myeloma Foundation, evolved into an active project called Myeloma Action Month”.[1] This transformation brings further empowerment and awareness to patients, advocates, caregivers, and health professionals.
What is Myeloma?
“Myeloma, also known as multiple myeloma, represents a multifaceted blood cancer predominantly impacting plasma cells. These specialized white blood cells make antibodies protecting us from infections”[2]. With myeloma, cells grow too much, causing a crowding out of normal cells in bone marrow, which make up our red blood cells, platelets, and other white blood cells, later becoming tumors. As a result, the production of these normal cells becomes compromised, causing a range of symptoms from bone pain to heightened susceptibility and infections.
Advancements in Treatment
Recently, there have been significant strides in myeloma treatment, with a “notable focus on the increasing accessibility of CAR-T therapy,” said Dr. Banerjee.[3] This groundbreaking approach involves genetically modifying a patient’s own T-cells to recognize and combat cancerous cells, demonstrating promising efficacy across various malignancies, including myeloma. Particularly for patients grappling with recurrence or relapse, CAR-T therapy signals renewed prospects and potential for long-lasting remission. Recognizing the pivotal role of timely intervention, there’s an exponential emphasis on assessing patients for CAR-T therapy upon relapse, potentially indicating a shift in the treatment landscape of myeloma. OriGen Biomedical provides a wide array of products tailored for cell culture and cryopreservation, focusing on addressing a variety of blood cancers.
Raising Awareness
March is an excellent time to take action together to increase public awareness about multiple myeloma. Widely recognized as Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month, numerous organizations actively participate in raising awareness during this time, such as the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS). In addition, the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) is the driving force behind March Myeloma Action Month for 2024, which highlights the need for group efforts to combat myeloma.
Myeloma Action Month is a pivotal platform for creating awareness efforts and taking tangible action against these diseases. By widely sharing information about the signs, symptoms, and risk factors of myeloma across various channels and platforms, individuals are empowered to identify the significance of early detection and seek medical attention. Additionally, initiatives geared towards support structures for patients and their families, fostering community engagement, and advocating for equitable access to innovative treatments propel advancements in the fight against myeloma. During the month of March, we witness communities coming together with renewed determination and hope, fueling a collective drive toward progress in myeloma research and treatment. Together, we stand ready to turn the tide against myeloma, fostering a future where patients can live longer, healthier lives.
How to Get Involved
Here are some ways to get involved in #MyelomaActionMonth[4]:
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Share Your Myeloma Story: Use the hashtag #MyelomaActionMonth to share your personal journey with myeloma. Every story shared creates ripples of awareness that collectively form a powerful wave touching every corner of the globe.
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Join the Global Video Mash-up: Participate in creating an inspiring multinational video mash-up by answering the question, “What Does Myeloma Mean to Me?” Your story will be featured alongside others from the global myeloma community, transcending borders and spreading awareness.
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Engage with #MyelomaActionMonth: Respond to questions and prompts from the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) using the hashtag #MyelomaActionMonth to initiate the ripple effect of awareness.
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Spread Awareness Among Friends and Family: Tag your loved ones and encourage them to share their own myeloma stories, contributing to the growing wave of awareness for the disease.
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Contribute to the Wall of Action: Your inspiring stories will be collected and displayed on the IMF’s digital “Wall of Action” at the Myeloma Action Month website, accessible to anyone seeking information about myeloma.
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Participate in 2024 MAM Events: Attend various events organized by the IMF throughout March for #MyelomaACTIONMonth. These activities aim not only to raise awareness but also to take tangible action towards finding a cure for myeloma.
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Tune in to Facebook Live Events: Join Facebook Live Events hosted by the IMF featuring key figures in the myeloma community, including healthcare professionals and educators. These events cover topics such as the latest research and treatments, healthcare disparities, nutrition, self-care, and more, providing valuable insights and resources for the myeloma community.
Embracing Hope
As we commemorate Myeloma Awareness Month in March, let’s embrace the transition to Myeloma Action Month with renewed resolve and commitment. By translating awareness into action, we possess the capacity to generate substantive change in the lives of individuals grappling with myeloma. By combining advocacy, education, and support, we can give patients, families, and medical professionals the tools they need to face the many obstacles that myeloma presents with strength and resiliency. Let’s join forces and march unwaveringly toward a day when myeloma is not just defeated but ultimately conquered!
