The International Myeloma Foundation Wants You to #KnowMyeloma for Blood Cancer Awareness Month 2026

STUDIO CITY, Calif., Aug. 27, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Designated in 2010 by U.S. Congress, September Blood Cancer Awareness Month aims to create awareness, increase fundraising, and support patients affected by all types of blood cancers.

For Blood Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) 2026, the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) is excited to bring back its #KnowMyeloma campaign — the IMF’s highly successful myeloma awareness campaign that reached over 25 million across social media, with overall global engagement extended to 62 countries in BCAM 2025.

Centering on the question, "Do You Know Myeloma?" the IMF will launch a patient-and-care-partner-focused digital campaign to raise awareness of blood cancer, particularly multiple myeloma. The campaign also aims to inspire advocacy and provide knowledge about treatment options, wellness advice, supportive care, and research developments for those living with myeloma.

"Awareness is the first step toward better outcomes. Through our #KnowMyeloma campaign, the International Myeloma Foundation is helping people recognize the signs and symptoms of multiple myeloma while empowering patients to advocate for earlier diagnosis, more personalized treatment, and equitable access to the care they deserve," said IMF Vice President of Marketing Peter Anton.

Thousands of patients and care partners live with myeloma every day. Some are newly diagnosed. Others have been in remission for years.

By motivating individuals to ask questions, to educate themselves about the disease, and to share what they know about multiple myeloma, the IMF hopes to foster active and interactive participation from the myeloma community.

By educating those who have no knowledge of myeloma while engaging with individuals living with the disease, the IMF hopes to raise awareness about multiple myeloma within the broader blood cancer community.

Throughout BCAM, the IMF will share information about multiple myeloma based on its four pillars: Research, Education, Support, and Advocacy, while highlighting the crucial role of fundraising in fulfilling the IMF’s mission: accelerating the prevention and cure of myeloma and improving the quality of life for patients and families.

We encourage members of the myeloma community to actively participate in meaningful conversations and to advocate for those impacted by the disease.

It’s time for people to know this blood cancer by name — multiple myeloma.

Three simple ways to help more people #KnowMyeloma

Share
Post one thing you wish more people understood about myeloma. Use the prompt: “To know myeloma is to know ______.”

Engage
Like, comment, save, and share IMF’s Blood Cancer Awareness Month posts to help myeloma awareness reach beyond the myeloma community.

Invite
Send this page to someone who should know more about myeloma. You do not need to explain everything. Start with one simple fact: myeloma is blood cancer.

Download the IMF social media toolkit and share with #KnowMyeloma
Educate, inspire, and raise awareness by sharing facts and stats about multiple myeloma from the IMF.

Help spread the word with:

• Social media graphics
• Sample captions
• Printable flyers
• KnowMyeloma Day toolkit
• Support group activation guide
• Myeloma 101 fact sheet
• Email and newsletter messaging
• Share these in social media with hashtag #KnowMyeloma
  
  

Join us on September 24 for #KnowMyeloma Day
On the last Thursday of September (September 24), the myeloma community will come together for #KnowMyeloma Day — a day dedicated to myeloma awareness during Blood Cancer Awareness Month.

Patients, care partners, support groups, clinicians, researchers, partners, and advocates are invited to share one fact, one story, one resource, or one hidden reality of life with myeloma.

Participate in upcoming IMF Facebook Live events
The IMF invites you to participate in the following Facebook LIVE events throughout September. To RSVP, visit the IMF Facebook page.

September 8, Tuesday: Live Q&A with Dr. Urvi Shah
4:00 p.m. PST / 7:00 p.m. EST

Join Dr. Urvi Shah (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center — New York, NY) on a 30-minute Live Q&A, as she responds to myeloma-related questions in real time about diet and nutrition, diagnosis, treatment, research, and living well with the disease. Dr. Shah will be responding to questions from the comments.

September 29, Tuesday: Live Q&A with Dr. Douglas Sborov
4:00 p.m. PST / 7:00 p.m. EST

Join Dr. Douglas Sborov (University of Utah — Salt Lake City, UT) on a 30-minute Live Q&A, as he responds to myeloma-related questions in real time about treatment advances, patient care, and how to navigate your way around multiple myeloma.

At the IMF, we believe that knowledge is power, and shared knowledge builds a resilient and hopeful community. Together, we will make an impact across the myeloma community.

No gesture for Blood Cancer Awareness Month is too small. All actions add to the campaign’s momentum, its ability to impact those living with blood cancers, and to raise funds toward prevention and a cure for multiple myeloma.

Learn how to get involved and follow the hashtag #KnowMyeloma on X/Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

The IMF is grateful to the following sponsors for supporting myeloma awareness during 2026 Blood Cancer Awareness Month: Adaptive Biotechnologies, Binding Site/Thermo Fisher, Bristol Myers Squibb, and GSK

ABOUT MULTIPLE MYELOMA
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the bone marrow plasma cells — white blood cells that make antibodies. A cancerous or malignant plasma cell is called a myeloma cell. Myeloma is called “multiple” because there are frequently multiple patches or areas in bone where it grows. It often involves damage to bone and kidneys. Multiple myeloma is still incurable, but great progress has been made in terms of survival over the last two decades. The disease is twice as common and is diagnosed at a younger age in African Americans than white Americans. The most common presenting symptoms include fatigue and bone pain.

ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL MYELOMA FOUNDATION
Founded in 1990, the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) is the world’s leading organization dedicated to multiple myeloma. The IMF is steadfast in its mission: accelerating the prevention and cure of myeloma and improving the quality of life for patients and families.

The IMF serves people impacted by myeloma at every stage of the disease by combining world-class research, trusted education, global advocacy, and direct support. A cornerstone of this work is the International Myeloma Working Group^® (IMWG)—a network of more than 380 internationally renowned researchers and clinicians who establish the guidelines that shape how myeloma is diagnosed, treated, and managed across the globe.

Through its global network of support groups, educational programs, its 24/7 generative-AI myeloma assistant Myelo^®, its InfoLine, and its advocacy for greater healthcare access, the IMF helps people living with myeloma and their care partners navigate diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. At the same time, the IMF ensures scientific advances translate into better care and outcomes.

Learn more at www.myeloma.org or contact the IMF InfoLine at (800) 452-CURE (2873) (U.S. & Canada), +1 (818) 487-7455 (worldwide), or infoline@myeloma.org.

Follow the IMF on:

X/Twitter: @IMFmyeloma
Instagram: @imfmyeloma
Facebook: @myeloma
LinkedIn: International Myeloma Foundation
Bluesky: @imfmyeloma.bsky.social

Media Contacts:

Peter Anton
Panton@myeloma.org

Jason London
Jlondon@myeloma.org