UK Myeloma Awareness Week (21 – 28 June 2006) highlights the dangers of this little-known cancer which can now affect people of all ages.

Nearly 4,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma each year, which accounts for 15% of blood cancers and 1% of all cancers. Traditionally, Myeloma was considered to be an elderly person’s cancer, but younger patients are now being diagnosed. The incidence of Myeloma is rising but public awareness remains low.

UK Myeloma Awareness Week (21 – 28 June 2006) will campaign to improve the quality of life of Myeloma patients while working towards prevention and cure.

The week is run by the International Myeloma Foundation (UK) which informs and supports people afffected by Myyeloma, and helps improve treatment and standards of care through research and education.

Registered as a charity in 1997, IMF (UK) is the only organisation in the UK dealing specifically with Myeloma and its related disorders, and relies heavily on voluntary donations and fundraising activities. Without funds, IMF would not be able to provide the range of information and support services for patients, families, carers and healthcare professionals.

About Myeloma
Myeloma is a cancer of the bone marrow caused by the uncontrolled growth of plasma cells. The many consequences include skeletal destruction, bone marrow failure, fatigue and renal insufficiency, and the disease can remain asymtomatic for years, often decades.

The UK has seen an increase in the incidence of Myeloma in the last few decades, and at any given time there are between 10,000 and 15,000 Britons who have the disease. Today, Myeloma is one of the most rapidly increasing types of cancer in the western world. However, despite advances in treatment and increased levels of research, there is still no known cure. Survival rates vary from patient to patient, making outcomes unpredictable.

Myeloma is most common among people over 65, however there has been an increase of at least 10 to 15 percent in patients now under 45. It is the complexity of Myeloma which makes it one of the most misunderstood cancers leading to a neglect of much-needed research.

Symptoms include pain in the lower back or ribs, excessive tiredness (caused by anaemia), thirst, bruising easily, hazy vision, headaches, sleepiness and a variety of neurological symptoms such as numbness or pins and needles, caused by reduced oxygen supply to the nerve tissue or direct pressure on nerves.

People with Myeloma may have complications which can include pneumonia and deterioration of kidney function. The most serious complication however is bone destruction which is experienced by around 70 – 80 percent of Myeloma patients. Effects associated with the loss of bone density include brittle bones that can fracture easily and a severe loss of height. Without prompt and active management of the disease the bone destruction can become severe and lead to immobility.

As yet, no cure for Myeloma has been discovered, and teatment is therefore aimed at halting the progress of disease (this is often referred to as achieving a remission plateau, i.e. a low level of disease that is maintained for some time without worsening), and treating the symptoms of the disease to maintain the patient’s quality of life.

There are several ways to help support the IMF (UK), here are just some of them:

Buy A Wristband

Support IMF (UK) and help raise awareness with the new ‘Action Myeloma’ red wristbands. By wearing one you are part of a unique national effort to help support everyone whose life has been touched by Myeloma in one way or the other. To purchase your bands (minimum purchase of four bands for £5.00) call Linzi on 0131 557 3332 or email Linzi@myeloma.org.uk.

Sponsor An Event
Brave Lisa Custy and friends will be doing a sponsored overnight vigil at the famous haunted ‘Derby Gaol’ on the 30th June 06 for IMF (UK). The brave group will be spndng all night in the prison which was recently featured on the popular television show ‘Most Haunted’. You can sponsor Lisa at www.justgiving.com/lisehauntedvigil or visit www.myeloma.org.uk/frmsets to sponsor other events.

The Great North Run
The Great North Run takes place in October and some of the dedicated runners have set up JustGiving websites to make it easier and faster to donate money. The run is the world’s biggest half-marathon and there are a fantastic group of runners attempting the gruelling 13.1 miles.

Champion fundraiser, Nick Chapallaz has enlisted a group of runners to undertake the challenge to raise funds for IMF. This will be Nick’s third year running the event and needs your support to beat his fundraising target of last year. Visit www.justgiving.com/GNR_myeloma to sponsor him online.

If you are interested in running for IMF or already have a charity-assured place in the run and would like IMF to list your JustGiving website, call 0131 557 3332.

Order Your Fundraising Pack
By organising an event in your local community you will not only help raise awareness, but also vital funds for IMF’s work.

The Fundraising Pack contains information on a whole range of ideas on the fundraising you could organise or take part in and there’s plenty of top tips to help you on your way. To receive your pack call Linzi on 0131 557 3332.

For more information on Myeloma visit www.myeloma.org.uk