What is MYELOMA?
¡ Multiple myeloma, also called simply “myeloma,” is a cancer of the bone marrow plasma cells. Myeloma is called “multiple” because there are frequently multiple areas in the bone marrow where it grows. Myeloma cells are cancerous plasma cells.
¡ Myeloma is treatable and many patients live long and productive lives after being diagnosed.
¡ The National Cancer Institute SEER Program estimates that 35,780 new cases of myeloma were diagnosed in the U.S. in 2024.
¡ In 70% of patients, the most common symptoms of myeloma are back or bone pain, unexplained fatigue, and recurrent or persistent infections.
¡ Men are more likely than women to develop myeloma. It is most frequently diagnosed in individuals who are 65–74 years old, but it is now also being diagnosed in people younger than 50.
¡ Myeloma is the most common blood cancer in patients of African descent, who have twice the risk of developing myeloma when compared to White patients. Visit mpower.myeloma.org.
The International Myeloma Foundation is here to help. You are not alone.
Our Mission
To improve the quality of life of myeloma patients while working toward prevention and a cure
Our Vision
A world where every myeloma patient can live life to the fullest, unburdened by the disease
What is the IMF?
Since 1990, the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) has been the global leader in myeloma. We serve the myeloma community through the following four pillars:
RESEARCH At the IMF, finding a cure for myeloma is our top priority. The IMF Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) of leading myeloma experts identifies key opportunities to drive research forward. The IMF Black Swan Research Initiative® (BSRI®) is pushing the boundaries with early screening for a precursor condition of myeloma as well as cure-focused myeloma clinical trials. The IMF International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) provides trusted guidelines for diagnosing, treating, and managing myeloma. We also fund innovative research through the IMF Brian D. Novis Research Grants.
EDUCATION Myeloma is a complex and unique journey for each patient. The IMF offers hundreds of videos and free publications in multiple languages to inform and empower patients and care partners to navigate their myeloma journey. All IMF seminars, webinars, and workshops are free-of-charge and designed to directly connect the patient community with expert myeloma clinicians. The IMF Nurse Leadership Board (NLB) provides recommendations for the management of myeloma. The IMF M-Power Project works to break down barriers and ensure health equity in underserved populations.
SUPPORT Studies show that social support can greatly improve the quality of life of people with cancer. The IMF offers more than 160 myeloma support groups across North America, including groups for Spanishspeakers, people with smoldering myeloma, care partners of patients with myeloma, and patients who do not have care partners. The IMF InfoLine answers myeloma-related questions. Myelo®, the IMF’s generative AI assistant, is available 24/7 to help you find the right resources.
ADVOCACY In the U.S., the IMF Advocacy team represents your interests at the federal and state levels. Internationally, the IMF Global Myeloma Action Network (GMAN) works to improve patient access to treatments.
myeloma.org
