Myeloma Action Month: Understanding a Cancer of the Plasma Cells

What this observance is

Every March, Myeloma Action Month raises awareness of multiple myeloma. The International Myeloma Foundation leads the campaign, which began in 2009 as Myeloma Awareness Month and later became Myeloma Action Month to emphasize collective action. The observance builds community among patients, families, and supporters, and helps people understand a cancer that many have heard of but few can describe.

What this cancer is

According to the National Cancer Institute, multiple myeloma is a type of plasma cell neoplasm — a disease in which the body makes too many plasma cells. NCI explains that plasma cells develop from B lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell made in the bone marrow. Normally, plasma cells make antibodies that help the body fight infection.

In multiple myeloma, NCI describes how abnormal plasma cells (myeloma cells) build up in the bone marrow and form tumors in many bones of the body. These cells also make an abnormal antibody protein, called M protein, that the body does not need. NCI notes this buildup can keep the bone marrow from making enough healthy blood cells, can cause the blood to thicken, and can damage bones and the kidneys. NCI also describes a related condition called MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance), which is not cancer but can sometimes develop into it.

Screening and prevention (per NCI)

It is worth being clear here: NCI states that it does not have PDQ evidence-based information about screening for multiple myeloma, nor about prevention. There is no established routine screening test for multiple myeloma in the general population, and we will not suggest otherwise.

NCI does note that age can affect the risk of plasma cell neoplasms, and that tests examining the blood, bone marrow, and urine are used to diagnose myeloma when there is a reason to look — for example, when M protein turns up on a routine blood or urine test. Because there is no screening program for myeloma, awareness of the disease and of unexplained symptoms is especially valuable. If you want to review which cancer screenings do apply to you more broadly, our free screening check-up tool is a calm starting point.

How to take part

• Learn what multiple myeloma is so you can recognize it when it comes up.
• Support research and the myeloma community during March.
• If you have persistent, unexplained symptoms such as bone pain or fatigue, mention them to a healthcare professional.
• Share accurate information about this less-familiar cancer.

Questions to ask a healthcare team

• What is multiple myeloma, and how is it usually found?
• I have unexplained bone pain or fatigue — is it worth investigating?
• What does an M protein result on a blood test mean?
• Where can I find reliable information about myeloma?