March – Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month
March is internationally recognized as Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month, a type of blood cancer that affects plasma cells – immune system cells responsible for producing antibodies and defending the body against infections.
This period provides an important opportunity to raise public awareness, highlight the challenges faced by patients, and enhance understanding of the disease, early diagnosis, and the importance of access to modern treatments.
What is Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma develops in the bone marrow, when plasma cells grow uncontrollably and produce abnormal proteins. The presence of these cells can affect the production of healthy blood cells, cause bone damage, and impair the function of vital organs such as the kidneys. Although relatively rare, it is the second most common blood cancer worldwide.
The disease’s symptoms may be initially nonspecific and develop gradually. Fatigue, bone pain – especially in the spine or ribs – frequent infections, anemia, or kidney problems are some of the signs that may prompt further investigation. Early awareness and timely medical evaluation are therefore crucial for diagnosis and disease management.
Multiple Myeloma by the Numbers
Globally, the disease affects a significant number of people. According to international epidemiological data:
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188,000 new cases were reported worldwide in 2022
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Approximately 121,000 people died from the disease the same year
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It is estimated that more than 540,000 people are currently living with multiple myeloma worldwide
The disease occurs more often in older adults. Most diagnoses occur in people over 60–65 years old, and around 80% of cases are reported in individuals over 65. Experts predict that the disease’s incidence may rise in the coming decades, largely due to the aging population in many countries.
The Situation in Greece
In Greece, the exact epidemiological picture of multiple myeloma is not fully clear, as there is no comprehensive national cancer registry recording all cases systematically.
However, according to available international estimates for 2022:
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About 763 new multiple myeloma cases were reported in the country
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Approximately 579 deaths were attributed to the disease
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It is estimated that around 2,154 people in Greece are living with the disease over a five-year period
These figures highlight the importance of improving health data collection and continuously supporting patients living with the disease.
Advances in Treatments
In recent years, scientific progress has significantly changed the course of the disease.
Modern therapies include:
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Immunotherapies
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Monoclonal antibodies
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Proteasome inhibitors
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Immunomodulatory drugs
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CAR‑T cell therapies (for advanced stages of the disease)
New therapeutic combinations and ongoing clinical studies are providing more treatment options, reinforcing hope for even more effective therapies in the future.
The Importance of Awareness and Support
Despite these advancements, public awareness and support for people living with the disease remain crucial. Early diagnosis, access to specialized medical care, and equitable access to modern therapies are key factors in improving disease outcomes and patients’ quality of life.
Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month serves as a reminder that knowledge, research, and collective effort can make a difference. Through education, support for scientific research, and assistance to patients and their families, we can help create an environment where no one faces cancer alone.
Sources:
https://gco.iarc.fr
(Global Cancer Observatory – International Agency for Research on Cancer)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39658225/
(Global burden and projections of multiple myeloma)
https://www.oecd.org/health/cancer-profiles/greece.html
(EU Country Cancer Profile – Greece)
https://ehoonline.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40164-025-00684-x
(Global epidemiology of multiple myeloma)
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3627436/
(Multiple myeloma epidemiology study)
Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3
