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Myeloma Support Group is launched for Patients in Northern Ireland
By Derval Keenan, 11/10/2004 3:18:36 PM
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The first meeting of the Northern Ireland Myeloma patient support group will take place on Thursday 16th September at the Wellington Park Hotel, Belfast at 7.30pm. Guest speakers will be Ellen Watters, Myeloma Information Nurse Specialist from the International Myeloma Foundation (UK), who will be speaking on "living with myeloma,? Ruth Campbell from the Ulster Cancer Foundation and Consultant haematologist Dr Mary Drake. The meeting is open to all myeloma patients, carers and family members.
Myeloma is a cancer of the bone marrow caused by uncontrolled growth of plasma cells within the bone marrow, between 1998 and 2000 there were on average 273 new cases in Northern Ireland and nearly 4,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with myeloma each year. This accounts for 15% of blood cancers and 1% of all cancers. Historically myeloma was considered to be an elderly person?s cancer, but younger patients are now being diagnosed.
The International Myeloma Foundation informs and supports people affected by myeloma, and helps improve treatment and standards of care through research and education. IMF (UK) is the only organisation in the UK dealing specifically with myeloma and its related disorders and is working in partnership with the Ulster Cancer Foundation to provide this new support group for patients in Northern Ireland.
Ruth Campbell, Head of Care Services, Ulster Cancer Foundation added, ?Most people with myeloma and their family members have never heard of the condition at the time of diagnosis. First reactions therefore tend to be a combination of fear and confusion. It is the complexity of myeloma which makes it one of the most misunderstood cancers leading to a neglect of the research needed to improve treatment, preventative measures and one day, a cure. This new group, which will meet four times a year will act as a support network for patients and family members to gain information, share personal experiences and for mutual support."
Myeloma (sometimes called multiple myeloma) is a relatively rare disease and public awareness of it is low. Patients and their families need information and seek it for a variety of reasons. Some require information to make informed choices. Others want to increase their understanding in order to communicate more effectively with their healthcare team. When someone is diagnosed with myeloma being informed can reduce feelings of helplessness and help patients and family members to gain control of the situation.
For further information regarding the Myeloma support group meeting please contact Ruth Campbell, Head of Care Services, Ulster Cancer Foundation on Tel: 028 9049 2007.
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For further information please contact Ruth Campbell, Head of Care Services, Ulster Cancer Foundation on Tel: 028 9049 2007 or Nicola Smyth, PR and Events Manager, Tel: 028 9049 2007 or email: nicolasmyth@ulstercancer.org
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