Each year around 6,200 people in the UK are newly diagnosed with myeloma, a type of blood cancer. Whilst myeloma is not curable for most people, thanks to advancements in treatment, people with myeloma are now living nearly twice as long as they were twenty years ago. To help us understand the symptoms, risk factors and advances in treatment, we spoke with Dr Ahmed Abdulgawad, Consultant Haematologist at The Christie Private Care, part of HCA Healthcare UK. Dr Abdulgawad is at the forefront of haematological cancer care, specialising in cellular therapies and early-phase clinical trials.
What is myeloma, and what are the signs and symptoms to look out for?
Myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells – a type of white blood cell produced in the bone marrow that normally helps our bodies fight infection. When these cells become cancerous, they can cause problems throughout the body. The most common symptoms include persistent bone pain, particularly in the back or ribs, unexplained and lasting tiredness, recurrent infections and increased thirst. Some people also experience kidney problems. Because these symptoms can easily be attributed to ageing or everyday life, many people live with myeloma for some time before being diagnosed. If something doesn’t feel right, please speak to your GP – early assessment can make a real difference.
Who is most at risk, and what can people do to reduce that risk?
Age is the biggest risk factor – around eight in ten people diagnosed with myeloma are over the age of 60. It is slightly more common in men than women and is two to three times more common in people of Black ethnicity, who also tend to be younger at diagnosis. A family history of myeloma can also increase your personal risk. Unlike some other cancers, myeloma is less directly linked to lifestyle factors, though maintaining a healthy weight, staying active and not smoking all help reduce your overall cancer risk.
How have treatment and outcomes for myeloma changed in recent years?
It’s very encouraging. While myeloma is not currently curable for most people, it is very much a treatable condition, and people are living longer after their diagnosis than ever before. Treatment typically involves a combination of drug therapies – including newer targeted agents and immunotherapies – alongside stem cell transplant for those who are eligible. What is particularly exciting is the emergence of newer treatments such as CAR T-cell therapy, which harnesses the body’s own immune system to target myeloma cells.
At The Christie Private Care, we have access to these cutting-edge treatments, meaning people whose myeloma has returned after previous treatment have more options than ever before.
Search ‘HCA UK The Christie Private Care’ or call 0161 768 8345 to find out more about our services.
