To raise awareness about myeloma and highlight the most important issues for European patients, as well as generate data and discuss solutions, Myeloma Patients Europe (MPE) launched the first-ever European Myeloma Day on 27 September.

The current focus is on diagnosis and the consequences and the impact of delays in detecting myeloma on time. Early diagnosis of myeloma has been shown to minimise disease complications and improve quality of life. Yet, existing literature on myeloma and testaments from patients highlights that many patients experience delays, often due to non-specific symptoms, lack of myeloma awareness in primary care or other causes. To further explore these issues, MPE conducted a pan-European study to capture patient diagnostic experiences, the impact of a later diagnosis and solutions to improve diagnosis. The findings and possible solutions to this problem can be found in the report Myeloma Diagnosis Across Europe – The Diagnosis Experiences of European Myeloma Patients and Perspectives from European Haematologists.

MPE has also developed the European Myeloma Diagnosis Pathway outlining the main signs and symptoms of myeloma and the tests and investigations that should be undertaken if myeloma is suspected. Check or download the pathway here.

You can watch the recording of the online event held by MPE on 27 September, where we presented research findings from the Year of Action on early diagnosis, heard from patients and doctors about their diagnosis experience, and discussed strategies and actions to improve diagnosis across Europe. You can also watch this and other related videos on the MPE Youtube channel here.

If you want to get involved in European Myeloma Day or any other activities or event organised by MPE, please complete this form.