In the US, over 150,000 people are currently living with multiple myeloma (MM), a type of blood cancer where plasma cells in your bone marrow grow out of control. About 35,000 new patients are diagnosed each year with MM, and, unfortunately, this cancer is on the rise.
While there is no cure for MM, the good news is that recent advances in treatments have greatly improved survival rates, with many MM patients living years or even decades after diagnosis.
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“I wish I had known more about multiple myeloma before I was diagnosed.
Had I known, that the African American community was at GREATER risk, I might have seen a doctor sooner. I think it’s really important that our community take charge of their own health.”
—Sean, Multiple Myeloma Patient
Sean, Patient and Advocate
Sean, Patient and Advocate
“Most people don’t know that a clinical trial may be the only way to newer and more advanced treatments. This is especially true in cancer, where there is no ‘placebo’, so this means we are not ‘guinea pigs’.
By participating in a cancer clinical trial, I am getting what I would have been getting anyways from my doctor, or I could be getting something better. On top of that, some of the costs for my care and my treatment are covered.”
—Sean, Multiple Myeloma PatientInterested in sharing your story? If you are selected, you will be paid for your time.
Hispanic Americans are more likely to be diagnosed with multiple myeloma, and about 5 years younger, compared to White Americans.
Research shows that Hispanic Americans often experience longer delays between initial symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
Hispanic Americans face additional barriers including limited access to specialized treatment centers and clinical trials. The lack of educational materials in Spanish can significantly impact understanding of treatment options and follow-up care, often leading to higher rates of complications due to delayed diagnosis.
The risk of getting multiple myeloma increases with age, especially after age 65, no matter your racial or ethnic background, but Black /African Americans at greater risk of getting MM 5-10 years younger than White Americans. MM is slightly more common in men than women.
It’s important to understand risk factors for MM, know your family history, go to the doctor for annual checkups, and know the symptoms of MM so you can ask to be tested for MM.
Other risk factors include:
It is important to be monitored by your doctor regularly if you do have MGUS so if this condition does turn into MM, you can catch and be treated for MM early.
Since 40-50% of MM patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage (Stage 3), it is important to know the symptoms of MM:
Testing for MM includes a combination of blood and urine tests to check for elevated protein levels, specifically M proteins, which can indicate cancer in the blood.
Healthcare providers use the CRAB criteria to help diagnose multiple myeloma:
Regular monitoring is particularly important if you have MGUS (Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance), as this condition can progress to multiple myeloma.
Screening should begin earlier for high-risk groups, particularly African Americans and those with a family history of the disease.
Finally, a bone marrow biopsy is used to confirm the diagnosis of MM: this may be recommended for high-risk cases.
First, don’t lose hope. There are many FDA-approved treatment options. Work with your doctor and consult with a hematologist-oncologist, a specialist who identifies and treats blood cancers.
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