Myeloma Awareness Week (21st to 28th June 2017)

This week is Myeloma Awareness Week. In this blog, written by our editor Sadie, we will tell you what myeloma is, its symptoms and possible risk factors. We’ll also let you know where you can get further information and support.

Myeloma, also known as multiple myeloma, is not a common cancer. Around 4,800 people are diagnosed with it each year in the UK. It is slightly more common in men than in women, and is most often diagnosed in people over the age of 65.

What is myeloma?
Myeloma is a cancer of the bone marrow. Bone marrow is a spongy substance in our bones. It is part of our immune system, which protects us from disease and infections. Bone marrow produces stem cells (immature cells) that develop into:

• red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body
• white blood cells, which fight infection
• platelets, which help the blood to clot.

Bone marrow producing stem cells

Myeloma affects a type of white blood cell called plasma cells. Normally, new plasma cells replace old ones in a controlled way. But in people who have myeloma, this process is out of control and large numbers of abnormal plasma cells (myeloma cells) are produced. These can spread through the bone marrow to different parts of the body. This is why myeloma is sometimes called multiple myeloma.

These myeloma cells fill up the bone marrow and interfere with the production of normal blood cells. They can also cause bone damage.

What are the risk factors for myeloma?
Doctors don’t know what causes myeloma, but there are some things that can increase the risk of developing it (risk factors):

• MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance) – This is another condition that affects plasma cells. Almost everyone with myeloma has had MGUS first, but not everyone who has MGUS develops myeloma.
• Age – Myeloma is rare in people under 40.
• Race – Myeloma is twice as common in African-Caribbean people than white people.
• Radiation – People who have been exposed to high levels of radiation (including people who work in the nuclear power industry) may have a higher risk of myeloma.
• Family history – Having a close family member with myeloma slightly increases the risk of developing it.
• Weight – Being overweight may increase the risk of developing myeloma.
• A weakened immune system – The risk of myeloma is higher for people who have a weak immune system. This includes people with conditions that reduce immunity, such as HIV, and people taking medicines to weaken (suppress) their immune system after an organ transplant.
• Autoimmune diseases – This is where the immune system attacks healthy body tissue by mistake. Autoimmune diseases such as pernicious anaemia, haemolytic anaemia and lupus can slightly increase the risk of developing myeloma.
• Occupation – It has been suggested that people in certain jobs may have an increased risk of myeloma due to exposure to harmful substances. But there is very little evidence for this.

What are the symptoms of myeloma?
Myeloma may not cause symptoms in its early stages. It may be diagnosed after a routine blood test. But sometimes people with myeloma are admitted to hospital with severe symptoms, caused by:

• Bone damage – This can cause pain, fractures, high calcium levels, pressure on the spine (spinal cord compression) or nerve problems.
• A reduced number of normal blood cells – This can lead to anaemia, tiredness and infections.
• Paraproteins in the blood or urine – This can cause kidney problems, hyperviscosity or blood clots.

Other symptoms can include poor appetite and changes in bowel habits.

Symptom control is important for everyone diagnosed with myeloma. We have more information about this.

In this video, a haematology doctor discusses myeloma and how it is treated:

Where can I get further information and support?
If you’ve been diagnosed with myeloma, our cancer support specialists can help – you can speak to them by calling 0808 808 00 00. Macmillan can offer a range of emotional, practical and financial support.

In the video below, Patsy, diagnosed with myeloma in 2004, talks about the support she received from Macmillan.

We have a booklet called Understanding myeloma. It has more information about myeloma, how it is diagnosed, treatments and living with the condition.

We also have information about myeloma on our website.

Finally, there are other organisations that can offer information and support to people affected by myeloma. These include:

• Myeloma UK
• Bloodwise
• Leukaemia CARE

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