Closing the Gaps in Multiple Myeloma Care for African Americans

Valarie Traynham, a multiple myeloma patient, support group leader, and HealthTree Coach, shared her story during an interview on PeerView with Dr. Brandon Blue. Her experiences as both a patient and advocate highlight the real-world impact of healthcare disparities.

Valarie has become a strong voice for the Black Myeloma Community, raising awareness about unequal access to care and support. Her story reinforces why listening to patients is essential when creating strategies to address these gaps.

VIEW VALARIE’S FULL INTERVIEW

Why Disparities in Multiple Myeloma Care Matter

African American individuals are twice as likely to develop multiple myeloma compared to other racial groups. They are usually diagnosed at a younger age, but often at a more advanced stage. This delay in diagnosis is linked to reduced access to care that prevents early detection.

Understanding these disparities is important because early diagnosis and timely treatment can significantly improve outcomes.

Access to Care Is a Critical First Step

Many African American patients face barriers that often result in delays in diagnosis and treatment, such as: 

• Lack of insurance 
• High out-of-pocket costs 
• Fewer nearby specialists

Expanding insurance coverage, lowering treatment costs, and supporting community health programs that focus on screening and education can shorten or even close this gap. 

Knowing that options exist can empower patients to seek care sooner. 

Addressing Bias and Building Trust

Implicit bias in healthcare delivery can affect treatment decisions. In PeerView's clinician survey: 

• 70% of doctors overestimated the number of African American patients who received standard care like stem cell transplant
• Only 34% reported involving patients in managing their own care
• Less than 50% of clinicians knew how to address patients’ concerns over treatment options

These results show that training providers to recognize bias and follow clear treatment guidelines can help ensure African American patients receive the same care as others. Building relationships through trust is key. This includes working with community leaders and offering culturally sensitive care.

To learn more about how disparities can be addressed, click the button below to see HealthTree University’s new unit on multiple myeloma disparities. 

VISIT MYELOMA DISPARITIES UNIT

Clinical Trials: Improving Representation

African American patients are underrepresented in clinical trials, limiting access to new treatments. This group is also often less informed about trial options due to historical mistrust and a lack of outreach.

PeerView found that only 33% of clinicians planned to start conversations about trial participation with African American patients. 91% of clinicians felt more confident discussing disparities, but less than half could recall the actual data on health outcomes for African American patients. 

Valarie Traynham emphasizes the importance of transparent, respectful communication. Encouraging more inclusive conversations and providing logistical support, such as transportation, can improve participation and outcomes.

Better education for patients and providers can reduce the disparities  

Improving educational materials about multiple myeloma and treatment options can help providers communicate better. Patients are more likely to advocate for themselves and stay on treatment when they have access to educational resources.

Managing multiple myeloma is not just about treatment. African American patients often need more help navigating the healthcare system, managing financial burdens, and coping with emotional stress.

Support groups, patient navigators, and counseling services are critical tools to help patients maintain their well-being and stick with long-term treatment plans. Valarie’s role as a myeloma coach shows how peer support can guide patients through the complexities of care.

Join the HealthTree’s Black Myeloma Health Community 

Moving Forward: What Needs to Happen Next

According to PeerView, 73% of clinicians said they would make changes after participating in the educational activity, including improving cultural sensitivity and patient communication. However, some learning gaps remain, and ongoing efforts are needed to ensure those changes translate into real improvements.

For African American patients with multiple myeloma, equal access to care, early diagnosis, culturally competent communication, and peer support can make a significant difference. Valarie Traynham’s voice reminds us that patient perspectives must be at the center of any effort to improve care and outcomes

You can keep reading more articles written by Valarie here: 

• Understanding Why Multiple Myeloma Affects the Black Community More Often
• Answering the Call: Celebrating National Volunteer Month with HealthTree’s Cure Teams
• Making Clinical Trials Work for Everyone