M-Power is the nationwide initiative by the IMF to improve the short-term and long-term outcomes of patients with myeloma in Black communities. M-Power is changing the course of myeloma by breaking down barriers to health equity and raising myeloma awareness.
What is myeloma?
Myeloma is a cancer of the bone marrow plasma cells. In the U.S., myeloma represents about 2% of all new cancer cases. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) estimates that 35,780 people were diagnosed with myeloma in 2024. Myeloma is considered incurable, but significant progress is being made with new treatments.
Do race and ethnicity matter?
Health disparities in myeloma are dramatic.
Myeloma is the most common blood cancer in individuals of African descent, who have twice the risk of developing myeloma when compared to White individuals.
Hispanic individuals have a higher incidence of myeloma than non-Hispanic White individuals.
On average, Black and Hispanic individuals are diagnosed with myeloma at a younger age than White individuals.
The diagnosis of myeloma in Black or Hispanic individuals is often made when the disease is more advanced than when White individuals are diagnosed. Delayed diagnosis can mean more complications.
Mortality from myeloma is twice as high in Black individuals as it is in White individuals.
What’s the good news?
When barriers to early diagnosis are removed and access to treatment is equitable, Black and Hispanic patients with myeloma have survival rates similar to those of White patients. In all patients, earlier diagnosis of myeloma can result in earlier treatment and better outcomes. Many patients can live long and productive lives.
The IMF is here to help YOU
The IMF vision is a world where every myeloma patient can live life to the fullest, unburdened by the disease. We are dedicated to improving the quality of life of myeloma patients while working toward prevention and a cure. The IMF provides free-of-charge services, programs, and resources to myeloma patients and their care partners, friends, families, and communities. To receive the most up-to-date information in a caring and compassionate manner, contact the IMF InfoLine. Visit mmsm.link/infoline to schedule a time convenient for you to talk with an IMF InfoLine Coordinator, who can help explain treatment options, locate a support group or a myeloma doctor, and refer you to potential sources of relief for your expenses.
Tiffany was diagnosed with myeloma in 2013. She is now a leader of a myeloma support group and an advocate at the forefront of raising myeloma awareness and shining a light on health disparities. For Tiffany, the “silver lining” of her myeloma diagnosis is “not taking time for granted... It’s the here. It’s the now. Tomorrow isn’t promised.”
Gail is a Community Health Educator and co-leader of a myeloma support group. Diagnosed in 2008, she has closely followed the developments in the field. “Advances are being made in part because myeloma clinical research has become so patientcentric, and the IMF has been key to myeloma patients having a voice and a seat at the table.”
Better outcomes for patients
If you or your doctor suspect that you might have myeloma, do not delay in getting an opinion from a myeloma specialist, in person or remotely. Any ONE of these early signs could be an indication of myeloma:
Unexplained tiredness or weakness,
Bone pain or an unexplained fracture, or
Recurring or persistent infections.
Be sure to get all THREE of these accurate and cost-effective screening tests for myeloma. When used together, these three tests will identify 99% of myeloma cases:
1. Serum free light chain test (free kappa, free lambda with ratio, serum),
2. Serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP), and
3. Immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE).
Knowledge is POWER
Visit mpower.myeloma.org to learn about disparities in myeloma, what actions are being taken by the IMF to achieve health equity, and how our M-POWERed partner cities are changing the course of myeloma:
Jameca was diagnosed with myeloma at age 26. “It was shocking for my family members and friends. They surrounded me so much with love.” Her advice to other patients is: “Be empowered by knowing that you have full control to a certain extent over your care and your treatment. Be kind to yourself and have patience with the transition that will occur. This journey of survivorship is a process where you learn as you go.”
Thomas was diagnosed in 2005 at age 34. Thomas is now a leader of a myeloma support group powerful with knowledge, and he has this advice to share with others: “Know your body. Don’t be scared to get tested. Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself. It’s okay to question the doctors. It’s okay to get a second opinion.”
In addition, the IMF and the National Medical Association (NMA) and the W. Montague Cobb Health Institute are collaborating on a program to boost the number of myeloma doctors dedicated to serving minority patients by pairing medical students with myeloma expert mentors. Currently, African Americans constitute 13.6% of the U.S. population and 6.2% of recent medical school graduates, but only 3% of practicing oncologists.
Robert, a pastor and retired businessman, was diagnosed with myeloma in 2014 during a routine physical exam as he was preparing to run a 15k race, which had been his personal challenge and tradition for 18 years. Robert now counsels others who have myeloma, and he practices what he preaches: “I keep the message simple and deliver it with love.”
Terrence survived prostate cancer, then came myeloma. “My mindset is to look for the positives,” he says. “And my wife Toni has been totally amazing throughout.” Toni adds, “Patients and caregivers need to know that there are resources out there. Ask questions. Don’t be intimidated. Get a doctor who is a myeloma doctor. And take care of yourself, too.”
MYELOMA PATIENT STORIES
MYELOMA PATIENT STORIES
MYELOMA PATIENT STORIES
Who gets myeloma?
NUMBER
OF NEW CASES PER
PERSONS BY RACE
Source: SEER program of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) 2017-2021, age-adjusted
Yelak Biru, IMF President & Chief Executive Officer, was diagnosed with myeloma in 1995 at age 25. He was newly married and anticipating a full life ahead. Then his doctor said, “You may not make it to age 30.” Yelak joined a myeloma support group, which he later co-led, then became a patient advocate. Today, he leads the IMF toward a future where every myeloma patient can live life to the fullest, unburdened by the disease.
Dr. Joseph Mikhael, IMF Chief Medical Officer, is a Professor at the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) at the City of Hope Cancer Center, Phoenix, AZ. As a researcher, he works to advance the field of myeloma. As a clinician, he works with countless myeloma patients. As an educator, he raises awareness of the signs and symptoms of myeloma among healthcare professionals and in the community. “Removing barriers to health equity improves patient outcomes.”
