International Myeloma Action Day

Myeloma Action Network (GMAN), a group of patient organizations, declared the last Thursday of March International Myeloma Action Day. It occurs during the March Myeloma Action Month to raise awareness of the second most prevalent blood cancer.

In 2013, the International Myeloma Foundation led the development of the Global Myeloma Alliance, which became the Global Myeloma Action Network (GMAN) in 2014. GMAN, the world’s only global myeloma advocacy consortium, includes patient organizations around the world whose aim is to support myeloma patients’ needs.

Myeloma develops from plasma cells in the bone marrow. While normal plasma cells produce antibodies, which are part of the immune system, the disease develops when there is a change in the DNA of these cells. The condition affects 750,000 people worldwide. There isn't a cure for multiple myeloma, the cancer can be managed successfully for years. International Myeloma Action Day raises awareness of the disease, advocates for early detection, ensures treatment options are available worldwide, and seeks further research to find a cure.