March is Myeloma Awareness Month

By Alejandra Pulido-Guzman - Lethbridge Herald on March 16, 2022.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDapulido@lethbridgeherald.com

March 2022 has been declared Myeloma Awareness Month in Alberta by Minister of Health Jason Copping, in hopes that increased awareness will improve the likelihood of Albertans having the best outcomes.
This declaration was made possible thanks to the request from the Lethbridge Myeloma Support Network, Myeloma Alberta Support Society and the Southern Alberta Myeloma Patient Society.
Lethbridge Myeloma Support Network leader Brian Treadwell said they want to bring awareness of the disease that affects roughly 33,800 Canadians each year.
“We want to make Canadians aware that this disease is happening and the sooner that they get a diagnosis the sooner that they can get treatment started,” said Treadwell.
In an email received by Treadwell from Minister Copping, he said “Please be assured that the Government of Alberta remains committed to improving the lives of Albertans affected by myeloma.”
The declaration explains what the disease is and reads in part, “Whereas Myeloma is a type of blood cancer that develops in plasma cells found in bone marrow. It often occurs in the spine, pelvic bones, ribs and areas of the shoulders and hips. In 2018, 243 Albertans were diagnosed with multiple myeloma.”
Treadwell, who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma last April, said it is really hard to diagnose but for most people the main symptoms are fatigue, inability to fight infection, bone pain and kidney problems.
“Having your family physician be aware of the early signs might be key to helping early detection for most Canadians,” said Treadwell.
He said that for those who have been diagnosed, there is a Zoom support group where they can share their journey with others who are in the same boat.
The next support Zoom meeting will take place on Thursday March 24 at 6:30 p.m. and those wishing to attend are asked to register by sending an email to lethbridgesupport@myeloma.ca
For more information on Myeloma, visit https://www.myelomacanada.ca/

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