Part 2 of our 2011 American Society of Hematology (ASH) coverage gives you one attendee’s thoughts on the event. Our patient advocate liaison, Brenda Hawkes, was at ASH last December along with a few other Diplomat representatives. To review Part 1, consisting of a sampling of news from the conference, click here.
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Are Less-Prevalent Cancers Being Ignored?
More than 20,000 physicians, researchers, and industry representatives from more than 100 countries gathered in San Diego in early December for the 2011 American Society of Hematology annual meeting devoted to blood disorders, including lymphoma, leukemia and multiple myeloma. The ASH conference is a concentration of topics on research, best practices and novel ideas all centered around blood cancers.
I was fortunate to attend this event as a representative of Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy and listen to scientists present data that could change patient care, updates in treatment and supportive care, and other cancer-related topics. You can read some of the highlights of the presentations, new drug therapies on the horizon and studies on things like changes in dosing and chemo/radiation combinations that made news from the conference in CURExtra Magazine here.
It can be hard to find coverage about how much time, energy and money these participants are collectively putting into finding a cure for Myeloma, MDS, Leukemia and Lymphoma. These cancers are considered blood cancers to distinguish them from other cancers, called solid tumor types. In my work with patients and advocacy groups, I often hear that certain cancer groups feel shortchanged. This can especially be the case in October when so much emphasis is placed on breast cancer. We all have seen the plethora of pink products, food items and ribbons in October. It is not hard to understand how patients and survivors of other cancers can misinterpret the vastness of the pinkness as a slight to their kind of cancer.
As a result of attending ASH last month, I feel confident in telling you that this is not the case. I sat in a room overflowing with experts during a Friday night panel discussion on the latest findings in Myeloma, sponsored by the International Myeloma Foundation. It featured thought leaders from around the globe who were gathered to discuss this blood cancer… and this was just the start of the meetings for the weekend conference! Others were held discussing MDS, Lymphoma and Leukemia among other topics.
According to the National Cancer Institute’s website, Multiple Myeloma rates are 5.7 per 100,000 men and women, or a chance of 1 in 155 of being diagnosed with myeloma during a lifetime. Breast Cancer incidence is 124 per 100,000, which means that there is a chance of 1 in 8 of being diagnosed with breast cancer during a lifetime. These odds, though seemingly disparate, did nothing to diminish how dedicated and determined these doctors were in the fight for the lives of their population of patients.
My point is this: just because we do not see a different ribbon barrage every month on the shelves of our local supermarket does not mean that these other cancer types are not getting attention. Believe me, these cancers are getting the attention they need. Professionals around the world are determined to find better treatment options, preventative methods, solutions to why these cancers strike, and the cure we all hope for.
Here are some are non-profit organizations working for these blood cancers that were discussed at ASH last month. Of course, they support the research and the professionals that serve patients and caregivers. But more importantly, their work also supports the patient themselves with empathy, knowledge education, and hope. Visit these sites to learn more about the newest findings and maybe even where to make donations to help fund the research that is dedicated to these cancers. Your dollars will go further if you streamline the donation instead of looking for different colored ribbons on packaging.
International Myeloma Foundation
MDS Foundation
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
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If you or a loved one has a diagnosis of myeloma, MDS, leukemia, or lymphoma, let us know if we can help. Call our toll-free advocacy hotline at (855) 284-4642 and after leaving a secured message, one of our trained staff will reach out to you.
Brenda Hawkes is a Patient Advocate Liaison for Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy. If you have any questions or comments about the Advocacy Navigator Program please feel free to contact her at bhawkes@diplomatpharmacy.com.
