Myeloma Awareness Week

 

BACK TO MAIN INDEX

 

What is Myeloma?

Myeloma is an incurable blood cancer that affects the bone marrow. While it cannot be cured, it is treatable, and many patients experience periods of remission.

Symptoms to Watch For:

  • Persistent or unexplained pain (especially in the back or ribs)
  • Easily broken bones
  • Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
  • Frequent infections
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Numbness in the feet, hands, or legs

suncream-beach-summer

 

Steps to Take

If you have symptoms that could be related to myeloma, it's important to take action promptly. Here’s what you should do:

  1. See a clinician – Book an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. Myeloma symptoms can be vague and mistaken for other conditions, so early investigation is crucial.
  2. Request Tests – The clinician may recommend blood tests, urine tests, or imaging scans to check for signs of myeloma.
  3. Monitor Symptoms – Keep track of any changes in your symptoms, such as worsening pain, fatigue, or frequent infections.
  4. Seek Urgent Help If Needed – If you experience sudden numbness, confusion, or loss of bladder/bowel control, call emergency services immediately, as this could indicate spinal cord compression.
  5. Ask for a Specialist Referral – If your GP suspects myeloma, they may refer you to a haematologist for further tests and diagnosis.
 

More information

There are many resources available that people can access:

Published: Jun 15, 2025