CANSA Shines a Light on Multiple Myeloma this March
The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) is marking International Myeloma Action Day this March by strengthening awareness, education, and support for individuals affected by multiple myeloma; the third most common blood cancer worldwide.
According to recent global cancer registry data, approximately 188 000 new cases of multiple myeloma are diagnosed worldwide each year, and hundreds of thousands of people continue to live with the disease (JNCI, 2024). This day promotes earlier diagnosis, equitable access to treatment, and continued research efforts.
To reinforce local awareness and community engagement, CANSA will co-host a Multiple Myeloma Awareness Day on 26 March 2026, in collaboration with the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Victoria Mxenge Hospital and the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine. This event will provide an opportunity for the public to learn from experts, engage with patient stories, and deepen understanding of this often‑overlooked disease.
As part of the day’s activities, patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and the CANSA team will also take to the streets for a Multiple Myeloma Awareness Walk. Participants will be dressed in burgundy (the recognised colour for myeloma awareness), to stand in solidarity with those affected and to visibly demonstrate the collective commitment to supporting and uplifting the myeloma community.
What is Multiple Myeloma?
Multiple myeloma is a blood cancer of plasma cells, derived from the white blood cells in the bone marrow responsible for producing antibodies. When these cells become cancerous, they create abnormal paraproteins that disrupt the production of healthy blood cells. Because the disease affects many areas of active bone marrow, such as the spine, pelvis, ribs, shoulders, and hips, it is referred to as “multiple” myeloma. (MMRF, n.d).
Who is affected?
The exact cause of multiple myeloma remains unknown. Various studies have examined potential contributing factors, including age-related immune decline, occupational exposures, and contact with ionising radiation (American Cancer Society, 2023; International Agency for Research on Cancer, 2020). According to the (National Cancer Registry, n.d.) he incidence of multiple myeloma increases significantly after the age of 55 in both males and females.
The importance of raising awareness about Multiple Myeloma.
A study done at Victoria Mxenge Hospital showed that most patients complained of bone pain or fractures. (2023, PLoS ONE). Awareness is particularly important because multiple myeloma accounts for 10% – 15% of all haematological malignancies, (Pooe et al., 2023), yet public understanding remains low, and many patients are only diagnosed once symptoms have advanced.
CANSA’s Multiple Myeloma Programme
Through its Multiple Myeloma Programme, funded by the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation (BMSF), CANSA provides essential guidance, education, and supportive care to patients and caregivers navigating the clinical and psychosocial challenges of this diagnosis. The programme aims to increase public understanding of signs and symptoms, encourage proactive healthcare-seeking behaviour, address stigma and misinformation as well as share survivor stories to foster compassion and support.
CANSA invites community members, healthcare workers, volunteers, survivors, and families to join the Multiple Myeloma Awareness Day event on 26 March 2026 and stand together in solidarity with the myeloma community.
For more information about CANSA’s Multiple Myeloma Programme or to get involved, visit www.cansa.org.za or contact Aadhya Maniram at amaniram@cansa.org.za or Charity Shabalala at cshabalala@cansa.org.za or the CANSA Durban Care Centre on 031 205 9525.
References
- Myeloma Patients around the World Declare March 30 as International Myeloma Action Day. (n.d.). International Myeloma Foundation. Retrieved February 19, 2026, from https://www.myeloma.org/article/myeloma-patients-around-world-declare-march-30-international-myeloma-action-day
- National Cancer Registry. (n.d.). NICD. Retrieved February 19, 2026, from https://www.nicd.ac.za/centres/national-cancer-registry/
- Pooe, A. M., Dlova, A. N., & Ntuli, S. T. (2023). Medical practitioners’ knowledge and awareness of multiple myeloma at public hospitals, Gauteng, South Africa. South African Family Practice, 65(1), 6. (Age, Gender, Medical Practitioners). https://safpj.co.za/index.php/safpj/article/view/5644
- What is Multiple Myeloma? Symptoms, Causes, & Prognosis. (n.d.). MMRF. Retrieved February 19, 2026, from https://themmrf.org/multiple-myeloma/
- Chili LH, Mackraj I, Rapiti N (2023) Profile and outcome of multiple myeloma with and without HIV treated at a tertiary hospital in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. PLoS ONE 18(10): e0287304. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0287304
- JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Mafra, A., Laversanne, M., Marcos‑Gragera, R., Chaves, H. V. S., McShane, C., Bray, F., & Znaor, A. (2024). The global multiple myeloma incidence and mortality burden in 2022 and predictions for 2045. JNCI, 117(5), 907–914. https://academic.oup.com/jnci/article/117/5/907/7920408
(For more information, please contact Lucy Balona, Head: Marketing and Communication at CANSA at email lbalona@cansa.org.za. Call 011 616 7662 or mobile 082 459 5230.)
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