Addressing Disparities in Multiple Myeloma Care: What It Means for Patients

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a cancer that affects Black adults at more than double the rate of White individuals. Unfortunately, Black patients often face poorer outcomes due to disparities in treatment. 

These disparities are linked to several factors, including financial barriers, lack of health insurance, geographic location, and biases among healthcare providers. Additionally, historical mistrust of the medical system also plays a role. 

In response, two multiple myeloma Health Equity Summits were held to bring patients, advocates, healthcare providers, and policymakers together to discuss these challenges and find solutions. The findings from these summits were presented in a poster at the recent 2024 ASH meetings.

The poster, A Patient Perspective on Actionable Steps to Address Disparities in Healthcare Among US Patients with Multiple Myeloma, presented by Oya Gilbert, fierce myeloma advocate and founder of the Health Hope and Hip-Hop Foundation, highlighted key issues affecting Black patients with myeloma. Health Hope and Hip Hop is an organization dedicated to raising awareness about cancer in underserved communities, using the power of music, culture, and personal stories to create a platform for education, support, and advocacy. 

The poster discussed how a lack of awareness about myeloma and its symptoms leads to delays in diagnosis. To address this, participants recommended better training for healthcare providers and more accessible support groups to educate patients and promote self-advocacy. 

Additionally, many Black patients feel uncomfortable engaging with healthcare providers due to cultural biases, which can prevent thorough discussions about treatment options, including clinical trials. Training healthcare providers to be more culturally sensitive was seen as a crucial step toward improving communication and patient care.

The poster also emphasized challenges in accessing quality care, especially from diverse healthcare providers. Geographic, cultural, and financial barriers often limit patients' ability to see specialists. 

To overcome these obstacles, solutions like telehealth, patient navigators, and increasing the diversity of the healthcare workforce were suggested. These efforts aim to ensure that all patients, regardless of their background, have access to the best care possible and are better informed about their treatment options, including clinical trials. 

The poster reflected collaboration from many cancer patients, emphasizing the importance of patient-driven solutions in addressing disparities. By addressing these challenges, the healthcare system can work toward more equitable outcomes for all multiple myeloma patients.

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Sources: 

• What is the ASH Conference? - HealthTree for Multiple Myeloma
• Health Hope HipHop Site
• Paper: A Patient Perspective on Actionable Steps to Address Disparities in Healthcare Among US Patients with Multiple Myeloma