Myeloma Cancer Ribbon Symbolizes Courage and Raises Crucial Awareness

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.

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.