Think myeloma
The signs and symptoms of the blood cancer myeloma are non-specific and wide ranging. This means it presents differently in every patient making it hard to spot.
Yet a simple blood test is all it takes to quickly identify patients with myeloma or a related condition.
“Many healthcare professionals play a role in myeloma diagnosis. Recognising the signs of myeloma and understanding the tests to request when you suspect myeloma can significantly speed up diagnosis. This is why one of the main goals of the Myeloma UK Early Diagnosis Programme is to educate and support healthcare professionals, so they know when to think myeloma.”
Sophie Castell, Chief Executive of Myeloma UK
Think myeloma!
We are asking healthcare professionals to Think Myeloma! when a patient presents with any of the following signs of myeloma:
This action can be the difference between someone living for a few months or many years after diagnosis. It is also key to ensuring patients have the best quality of life because it reduces the risk of debilitating long-term complications, such as kidney damage and spinal collapse.
Resources for healthcare professionals
Myeloma: Practical tips for primary care
A practical guide for GPs to help in the detection and diagnosis of myeloma and monoclonal gammopathies.
GP Myeloma Diagnostic Tool
A tool for GPs to help them know how to identify and when to refer suspected myeloma patients.
Myeloma, MGUS and Related Conditions: A Guide for GPs
A guide to help GPs with the diagnosis and management of myeloma and monoclonal gammopathies of undetermined significance (MGUS).
Myeloma Diagnostic Pathway
An easy to follow, quick reference tool to help GPs recognise the signs and symptoms of myeloma.
GatewayC’s Myeloma – Early Diagnosis course
A free course for all healthcare professionals across England developed in partnership with Gateway C.
Macmillan 10 top tips for primary care: Managing myeloma
A factsheet developed in partnership with Macmillan full of tips to help GPs suspect, detect and manage myeloma.
The Myeloma UK Early Diagnosis Steering Committee
Myeloma UK’s Early Diagnosis Programme is guided by the Myeloma UK Early Diagnosis Steering Committee. This panel of experts work with us to identify the major issues preventing early diagnosis and to develop projects to tackle some of these issues. You can read more about their work in our behind-the-scenes blog series.
Professor Guy Pratt
Professor Guy Pratt, consultant haematologist at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, tells us about being on the frontline of myeloma care.
Dr Fenella Willis
Dr Fenella Willis, Chair of the Early Diagnosis Steering Committee, offers an insight about her work raising awareness of the signs of myeloma.
Dr Ross Sadler
Dr Ross Sadler, Clinical Lead for Lab Immunology at Oxford University Hospitals, talks about educating and empowering clinical scientists.
Dr Judith Richardson
Dr Judith Richardson, a GP and myeloma patient talks about helping her fellow GPs to spot the signs of myeloma.
Fundraise for us
Take part in an event or organise your own fundraiser and help raise vital funds to support people living with myeloma.
