Did you know that Multiple Myeloma (MM) is the most common blood cancer in African Americans? It’s true, and we comprise about 20% (1 out of 5) of all patients with MM. By 2034, it is estimated that African Americans will make up roughly 24% of the newly diagnosed MM population. Multiple Myeloma is over twice as common in African Americans compared to white Americans. It’s important to know what Multiple Myeloma is and recognize if you or a loved one is at higher risk of developing the disease.
What is Multiple Myeloma?
To begin, we need to clear something up: We’re talking about Multiple Myeloma, not melanoma which are often mistaken for each other, but are very different. Melanoma is a skin cancer and myeloma is a type of blood cancer —and that’s our focus here. Myeloma is a blood cancer of the plasma cells that live in the bone marrow. Plasma cells normally make antibodies to help us fight infections. Myeloma cells are abnormal plasma cells. In Multiple Myeloma, these abnormal plasma cells can become cancerous and multiply, making it harder for our bodies to fight infection.
What are the Risk Factors for Multiple Myeloma?
The median age at diagnosis is 69 years. African Americans are younger at diagnosis by about 5 years compared to White patients. Interestingly enough, men are at a higher risk than women.
Genetics can be a factor:
Having a family history of the disease raises a person’s risk of developing Multiple Myeloma. If you have a sibling or parent with a Multiple Myeloma diagnosis, you are at an increased risk.
MGUS can be a factor:
In addition to family history, certain medical conditions can also elevate the risk. One such condition is MGUS—Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance—which involves the presence of an abnormal protein in the blood. Individuals diagnosed with MGUS may have a higher likelihood of developing Multiple Myeloma.
If you or someone you know is diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, know your options.
How You Can Act: Know Your Options
Start by speaking with your healthcare provider about your personal risk factors and any available screening methods. Early conversations can help guide informed decisions.
Explore Clinical Research Opportunities
Participating in clinical research can provide access to cutting-edge research options and contribute to advancing care for others.
This communication is sponsored by Kite Pharma, A Gilead Company. Kite is committed to ensuring diverse representation in its clinical studies.
To learn more about Kite’s investigational efforts in treating Multiple Myeloma, visit: A Study Comparing Anitocabtagene Autoleucel to Standard of Care Therapy in Participants With Relapsed/ Refractory Multiple Myeloma (iMMagine-3).
Disclaimer: Clinical studies are investigational in nature. Participation is voluntary and there is no guarantee of benefit or specific outcomes. The safety and efficacy of the investigational treatments have not been established.
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