June 2010

NEWS RELEASE

10 - 20% of people who are diagnosed with myeloma will die within 60 days

This is why Myeloma UK kicked off a campaign last year to ensure fewer myeloma patients experience a delay in diagnosis.  The GP Pledge Campaign aimed to deliver a Myeloma Diagnosis Pathway to 2,500 GPs across the UK within 12 months.  Thanks to the huge efforts of myeloma patients, their families and friends, this target was smashed, and GPs have told the organisation that the Pathway is a great resource to help them recognise myeloma.  Myeloma is an incurable and debilitating cancer of the plasma cells which are found in the bone marrow and are responsible for protecting the body against viruses and infection. 

Dr Lynne Jones said: “When I first saw the pathway, I was impressed by how useful and informative it was. It gives a really clear and memorable outline of the signs, symptoms and tests for myeloma.  I will definitely use it in my practice and encourage my colleagues to do so too.”

Myeloma UK is now launching TAKE 2.  They want the Diagnosis Pathway to reach many more GPs.  There are currently around 50,000 GPs in the UK and they want to reach another 4,000 of them over the next 12 months, one for every person who will be diagnosed with myeloma during this time.

You can pledge to take part in TAKE 2 by visiting the Myeloma UK website www.myeloma.org.uk or by contacting the Myeloma UK team on 0131 557 3332.

As well as giving the Diagnosis Pathway to your own GP, you can pledge to TAKE 2 (or more) Pathways and encourage at least two friends or colleagues to deliver it to their own GPs.  If these friends and colleagues also pledge to TAKE 2 or more, then many more GPs will be reached.

Liz Hill said: “When I provided my local GPs with the Pathway I received a fantastic response.  The GPs showed a great willingness to be more aware of the signs and symptoms of myeloma and thought that the pathway was ideal.  I am confident that the pathway will have a very positive impact on diagnosis in my local area and am glad I could help.”

You can also get your local politician involved by asking them to take the Diagnosis Pathway to their own GP, or asking them to raise awareness of myeloma by signing a Motion in Parliament or Assembly.  There are Motions welcoming National Myeloma Awareness Week and the TAKE 2 Campaign lodged in each of the four nation’s Parliaments / Assembly, ready for politicians to sign.

The campaign is launching during National Myeloma Awareness Week, and as well as taking part in TAKE 2, you can also help with raising general awareness about myeloma.  Visit www.myeloma.org.uk to find out how you can get involved, or call the Myeloma UK team on 0131 557 3332 or email awareness@myeloma.org.uk

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For further press information please contact Kirsty Tomassi, Communications Manager, Myeloma UK on 0131 557 3332 or kirstyt@myeloma.org.uk

Notes to editors

About Myeloma UK

• Myeloma UK is the leading organisation in the UK that deals exclusively with myeloma. The charity offers people affected by this rare and debilitating form of cancer a broad and innovative range of services.
• These services cover every aspect of myeloma - from information and support, to improving standards of treatment and care through education, research, campaigning and raising awareness.