Myeloma Awareness Month 2023
March is Myeloma Awareness Month. Around 18,000 Australians are currently living with this relatively rare blood cancer and the Leukaemia Foundation is here to support each and every one of them through the latest information, tips for living well and self care, guides to best care, and patient stories.
What is myeloma?
Around 18,000 Australians are currently living with myeloma, also known as multiple myeloma. Myeloma is a complex and rare blood cancer affecting the body’s plasma cells, the cells that produce antibodies.
Myeloma develops when plasma cells undergo a cancerous change to become myeloma cells. These cells multiply at an increasing rate and take over the bone marrow.
Over 80% of people diagnosed with myeloma are aged 60 and above, and it is slightly more prevalent in men. Patients experience bone pain and weaker bones more prone to breaking. Fatigue is very common, as is anaemia. Kidney damage, frequent infections and increased bleeding and bruising are other symptoms.
2,625 people are diagnosed each year*, however it is expected that will increase to 4,952 people by 2035. Sadly, 1,100 Australians lose their life to myeloma each year, and this is projected to rise to 3,037 by 2035.
Find out more about myeloma here.
*Source: 2022 Cancer Data in Australia, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
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is the average age of diagnosis for myeloma (although people of all ages can get it)
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people are diagnosed each year in Australia with myeloma
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the number of stages of myeloma
Recorded webinar: Travel and blood cancer
Don’t let myeloma stop you from enjoying the benefits of travel.
Recorded webinar: Exploring real life with blood cancer – the mind and body experience
In this webinar, we discussed the long term and often chronic nature of blood cancer and its treatments, along with holistic approaches to manage the impact of these on the life of someone with a blood cancer.
Recorded webinar: Future directions in myeloma management and treatment
The Leukaemia Foundation & Myeloma Australia partnered together for this education seminar, presented by leading Australian myeloma experts.
Recorded webinar: Palliative care – discovering all there is to know
In this webinar, we discussed the long term and often chronic nature of blood cancer and its treatments, along with holistic approaches to manage the impact of these on the life of someone with a blood cancer.
Read more myeloma stories
You can view our collection of myeloma research news and patient stories in our news portal here.
Sign up to receive Myeloma News
Myeloma News is our e-newsletter filled with myeloma research updates, treatment news, and inspiring stories from patients. Sign up to receive Myeloma News here.
Join the Myeloma Network group on Facebook
An Australian network for people with myeloma to share experiences, information and research news. Join it here.
Join an Online Support Group
Register for an Online Support Group in March, where we discuss how people affected by myeloma and other blood cancers can manage fatigue.
Last updated on March 13th, 2023
Developed by the Leukaemia Foundation in consultation with people living with a blood cancer, Leukaemia Foundation support staff, haematology nursing staff and/or Australian clinical haematologists. This content is provided for information purposes only and we urge you to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis, treatment and answers to your medical questions, including the suitability of a particular therapy, service, product or treatment in your circumstances. The Leukaemia Foundation shall not bear any liability for any person relying on the materials contained on this website.