£
Donate
Donate

We're here for you if you want to talk

0808 2080 888

[email protected]

In myeloma, something goes wrong with blood cells called plasma cells. They start making antibodies that grow out of control and stop your body making other blood cells.

This causes a range of symptoms including feeling sick, feeling breathless, extreme tiredness and bone pain.

Treatment for myeloma can get you into remission, but but for most people, the myeloma comes back and needs more treatment. There are many different treatments for myeloma and more are being developed all the time.

Doctor with a stethoscope around their neck talks to patient about their blood cancer.

What is myeloma?

How does myeloma affect your blood and bone marrow? Learn about light chain, non-secretory, active and smouldering myeloma.
An older Black man looks thoughtful after his diagnosis

If you've just been diagnosed

A diagnosis of myeloma can feel overwhelming, but we're here to help. Use our simple online tool to get information, tips and support that's tailored to you.

Causes of myeloma

Understand the risk factors for myeloma - what makes it more likely for someone to develop this type of blood cancer?
Two older male friends out walking by a river in a town.

Prognosis for myeloma

Find out about the prognosis for myeloma - what is likely to happen in the future. What is a relapsing-remitting type of blood cancer?
A man looking away from the camera, deep in thought

Myeloma symptoms and diagnosis

Myeloma symptoms vary and can be hard to spot. Learn about the range of myeloma symptoms and the tests you'll have to diagnose myeloma.
A man sitting on his sofa with his dog next to him - he is holding a book and looking at his dog lovingly.

Smouldering myeloma

How is smouldering myeloma is different from the active type? Understand why a doctor might say the myeloma doesn't need treatment straight away.
A healthcare professional and patient looking at each other. The patient is sitting in a chair having treatment administered.

Myeloma treatment and side effects

Learn the types of treatment used for myeloma, including an A-Z of specific drugs. Prepare for side effects and the effects of the myeloma itself.
Nadine, wearing a yellow jumper and smiling

Information for the Black community

Get essential information about blood cancer including stories from Black people with blood cancer and where to find support.
Cecelia, living with myeloma, on a woodland walk

Living well with myeloma

You can still live well and enjoy life with blood cancer. Hear about other people's experiences and tips on how to cope with a myeloma diagnosis.

This information has been accredited with the PIF TICK, the UK's only quality mark for trusted health information.

Last full review May 2026. Next full review due May 2029. We may make factual updates between reviews.

Thank you to Consultant Haematologist Dr Emma Searle and Clinical Nurse Specialist Amie Martin for checking the clinical accuracy of our myeloma information. Thanks also to Cecelia, Craig, Joan, Kaleigh, Kerry, Louise, Mart, Sandra, Scott for supporting this project and sharing their experience of living with myeloma.