Know Myeloma: It’s time the world knows blood cancer by name
What Is Multiple Myeloma?
Multiple myeloma, also known as myeloma, is a cancer of the bone marrow plasma cells. Plasma cells are white blood cells that produce antibodies to fight infections. Fact: Myeloma is the second most common blood cancer, yet many mistake it for melanoma, which is a type of skin cancer. Myeloma is a complex and incurable blood cancer that affects an estimated 36,110 people every year in the U.S. alone.
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Here Are the Key Points About Multiple Myeloma:
- It's a cancer that affects plasma cells, which are white blood cells responsible for making antibodies.
- Myeloma cells are cancerous plasma cells. It's called "multiple" because it often grows in multiple areas of the bone marrow.
- Myeloma most commonly grows in the marrow within the bones of the spine, skull, pelvis, rib cage, shoulders, and hips.
- It can appear as tumors and/or areas of bone loss, called lesions. Areas of bone loss are referred to as "lytic lesions."
- Common symptoms include back or bone pain, unexplained fatigue, and recurrent or persistent infections.
- It's a treatable blood cancer, and many patients live long and productive lives after diagnosis.
- An estimated 36,110 new cases of myeloma will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2025.
- Men are 1.5X more likely than women to develop myeloma.
- It's most frequently diagnosed in individuals aged 65-74, but is now being diagnosed in people younger than 50 as well.
- Myeloma is the most common blood cancer in patients of African descent, who have twice the risk compared to White patients.
Awareness is the first step toward a cure.
The more people know about myeloma, the louder our call becomes for:
- Earlier diagnosis
- Greater access to treatments
- More investment in myeloma research
- Equity in cancer care
Too many people still say, “What’s myeloma?” In 2025, we’re changing that—together.
In 2025, social media algorithms are laser-focused, and short, yet personal videos have the power to stop the scroll and speak to the heart. That’s why we need to leverage every tool we have—to reach people right where they are: on their phones, on their favorite apps. By sharing your story with #KNOWMYELOMA, you’re helping us cut through the noise and put myeloma awareness in front of millions who’ve never heard of it.
Make a short video and post it on Instagram, TikTok, X, Facebook, or LinkedIn using the hashtag #KNOWMYELOMA.
Here's what you can say:
- “Myeloma is blood cancer, not skin cancer.”
- “Every 15 minutes, someone in the U.S. is diagnosed with myeloma.”
- “You can’t fight what you don’t know. That’s why we say: #KNOWMYELOMA.”
- “I know myeloma because _________. It’s time you know myeloma too.”
It only takes 10 seconds to educate your friends and followers about myeloma. Share your video and spread the word about #KNOWMYELOMA
Educate, inspire, and raise awareness by sharing facts and stats about multiple myeloma and the International Myeloma Foundation.
SHARE THESE GRAPHICS ON SOCIAL MEDIA WITH #KNOWMYELOMA
Thousands of patients and care partners live with myeloma every day. Some are newly diagnosed. Others have been in remission for years.
Awareness of myeloma and its symptoms leads to an earlier diagnosis—moving us one step closer to better outcomes for those living with the disease.
Shop our exclusive, limited-edition #KNOWMYELOMA merchandise and proudly show your commitment to blood cancer awareness. Every item helps spark conversations about multiple myeloma, a rare and often misunderstood blood cancer.
From bold T-shirts and hats to mugs and tote bags, each purchase helps support the International Myeloma Foundation’s mission to fund research, patient education, and advocacy for earlier diagnosis and access to treatment.
Act fast—these designs are only available during Blood Cancer Awareness Month 2025!
When you wear #KNOWMYELOMA, you’re not just making a statement—you’re making a difference.
