Multiple myeloma is a rare blood cancer that causes white blood cells to over produce, preventing healthy blood cells to grow in the bone marrow. The abnormal cells develop into cancerous cells that affect the kidneys and other organs, and lead to bone problems and infections.
Multiple myeloma is the second most common blood cancer in the United States, and is the most common blood cancer in African Americans. It is among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among African Americans.
According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 30,330 new cases of multiple myeloma will be diagnosed in 2016, which will include twice as many African Americans as white Americans or other ethnicities.
The exact reason why African Americans are more likely than other ethnicities to be affected by this disease is not known, in part because few African Americans participate in multiple myeloma clinical trials.
However, scientists have discovered several findings that may help explain this mystery. One finding is that a blood disorder called MGUS is more common among African Americans, and this blood disorder increases the risk for multiple myeloma. More than 33% of African Americans with the MGUS disorder carry the pP-7 protein, which is a strong genetic risk for multiple myeloma.
Recent studies have found that obesity increases the risk for multiple myeloma in African Americans.
Knowledge Is Power
Although African Americans are at an increased risk for multiple myeloma, most African Americans are not aware of this. In fact, one survey conducted in 2012 showed that 67% of African Americans have never received information about this disease.
Diagnosing multiple myeloma can be a challenge, because the symptoms, such as bone pain or muscle pain, weakness, and fatigue, can also be found in other diseases. By the time the doctor may suspect the real cause of these symptoms, the disease may progress. It is therefore important that African Americans who experience any of these symptoms should ask their doctor to check for multiple myeloma.
African Americans with multiple myeloma have worse survival rates than white Americans, and they are also less likely to receive the best treatments.
Last year, 4 new medications were approved for multiple myeloma, including oral drugs. Taking the medications as prescribed is crucial for successful treatment and outcomes. When diagnosed early and properly treated, African Americans can do just as well as white Americans, and sometimes even better.
Multiple Myeloma Resources
Many good resources about multiple myeloma are available online. The Patient Resources below provides links to essential information about multiple myeloma.
One special resource is the Standing in the Gaap for African Americans with Multiple Myeloma initiative, which was created to help bridge the gaps in care for this patient population. This initiative offers information to help African Americans feel more confident, informed, and involved in their care. The online brochure at Myeloma Central discusses the diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment options for patients.
Patient Resources
International Myeloma Foundation
http://myeloma.org
Myeloma Central
www.myelomacentral.com/disease-education/
www.myelomacentral.com/wp-content/uploads/US-CELG150236_Gaap_Brochure_Final1.compressed.pdf
My Multiple Myeloma
www.mymultiplemyeloma.com/
Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation
www.themmrf.org