Today marks the start of Myeloma Awareness Week (19-25 June).

Myeloma is a treatable but incurable blood cancer. This year Myeloma UK are campaigning to find the ‘missing’ 851 blood cancer patients. During the pandemic, myeloma saw a drop in diagnoses, with confirmed cases down by 851 across the UK compared to pre-COVID expectations.

This means that hundreds of people could be living with an undiagnosed blood cancer. Myeloma UK are trying to Find the 851 by sharing symptoms and encouraging people to check anything unusual with their doctor.

Martin Whitfield MSP is joining parliamentary colleagues in highlighting Myeloma UK’s awareness messages on his social media channels to help reach those who might benefit from knowing more about the symptoms of myeloma.

Commenting, Martin Whitfield MSP said: 

“It is deeply concerning that there are hundreds more people across the UK than before the pandemic who could be living with an undiagnosed blood cancer. 

“I welcome and support Myeloma UK’s awareness campaign to find these people and help them to start receiving treatment and support and hope others will also share the charity’s information with family and friends.”

More information about the campaign can be found at https://bit.ly/3Jivr4Y