Understanding Myeloma Cancer and Ribbon Symbolism
Myeloma, also known as multiple myeloma, is a type of blood cancer that develops from plasma cells in the bone marrow. Normal plasma cells help the body fight infection by producing antibodies. In myeloma, these plasma cells become abnormal, multiply uncontrollably, and produce large amounts of abnormal antibodies which have no useful function.
Symptoms of Myeloma Cancer
Some common symptoms of myeloma include:
- Bone pain, especially in the back or ribs
- Frequent infections
- Extreme fatigue or weakness
- Spinal cord compression leading to pain or paralysis
- Anemia due to low red blood cells
- Kidney damage or failure
- Abnormal blood calcium levels
Diagnosis and Staging
Myeloma is diagnosed using blood and urine tests, bone marrow biopsy, and imaging tests like x-rays or MRIs. If cancer cells are found, the stage can be determined based on factors like calcium levels and kidney function:
- Stage 1: Relatively small cancer cell mass, healthy kidneys, normal calcium
- Stage 2: Larger cancer cell mass, healthy kidneys, elevated calcium
- Stage 3: Any cell mass size, damaged kidneys, high calcium, low red cells/platelets
Treatment Options
Standard myeloma treatments include:
- Chemotherapy - Using drugs to kill cancer cells
- Targeted therapy - Blocking cancer cell growth signals
- Stem cell transplant - Restoring healthy stem cells after chemo
- Radiation therapy - Using high energy beams to damage cancer cells and shrink tumors
- Surgery - To repair bone damage or reduce pressure on the spinal cord
- Medications - For treating infection, anemia, bone damage, kidney problems
Significance of the Myeloma Ribbon
The myeloma awareness ribbon color is burgundy or maroon. This distinct color represents the courage and determination of myeloma patients and efforts to raise awareness and funding for research.
History and Meaning
In 1998, three women formed the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) to advance research and find better treatments. They adopted the burgundy colored ribbon to unify patients and advocates. Burgundy holds deeper symbolic meaning:
- Royalty - Representing the "royal disease" known for developing abnormal proteins
- Courage - Showing the fortitude needed to battle a relentless disease
- Determination - Reflecting strong will to keep striving and finding hope
How Ribbons Help Raise Awareness
Myeloma ribbons help increase awareness and education in many ways:
- Worn publicly on clothing or accessories
- Shared on social media with facts using #MyelomaAwareness
- Featured at fundraising walks, races, conferences, etc.
- Distributed to Congressional leaders to influence policy
- Sent to newly diagnosed patients by support communities
Outlook for the Future
While myeloma remains incurable, research has made significant advances in recent years leading to improved quality of life and 5-year relative survival rates rising from 33% to 52% over the past two decades. Thanks to funds raised through myeloma ribbon campaigns and events, researchers continue making progress on:
- Developing less toxic, targeted therapies
- Enabling early detection through biomarker analysis
- Utilizing immunotherapy to harness the body's own defenses
- Discovering the causes and mechanisms of myeloma tumor growth
Myeloma advocates believe ribbon awareness efforts bring the goal of finding a reliable cure within closer reach. Patients and supporters proudly wear the burgundy ribbon to honor past battles, celebrate victories today, and keep hope alive for a future free from the burden of myeloma.
FAQs
What does the myeloma awareness ribbon color represent?
The myeloma awareness ribbon is burgundy or maroon in color. This distinctive color represents royalty to signify myeloma's nickname as the “royal disease”, courage to battle the relentless symptoms, and determination to keep striving despite the incurable nature of this blood cancer.
When is Myeloma Awareness Month?
March is recognized as Myeloma Awareness Month featuring numerous fundraising and awareness building campaigns. Many advocacy events encourage wearing burgundy ribbons to foster public consciousness of myeloma.
What percentage of multiple myeloma cases become symptomatic?
Roughly 14% to 17% of myeloma cases are actually asymptomatic and do not display outward symptoms. Most cases (83% to 86%) do become symptomatic at some point, frequently showing symptoms like bone pain, frequent infections, fatigue, and kidney dysfunction.
What is the 5-year relative survival rate for myeloma?
Thanks to advances in diagnosis, staging, and treatment options, the latest statistics show the 5-year relative survival rate for myeloma is 52%. This means a little over half of patients live at least 5 years following accurate diagnosis compared to just 33% two decades ago.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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