A Hygienic Lifestyle Is Essential for Myeloma Patients

Multiple myeloma is among bone marrow cancer types. Prof. Dr. Yıldız Aydın, noting that this disease is a bone marrow tumor originating from plasma cells that produce antibodies in the immune system, emphasized that the exact causes of multiple myeloma disease are unknown. The Leukemia Lymphoma Myeloma Patients and Research Education Association is carrying out awareness activities as part of this year's "Leukemia Has a Cure" awareness campaign. Through this campaign, awareness about myeloma is being increased. Stating that myeloma cancer has a connection with poor social conditions and obesity, Prof. Dr. Yıldız Aydın, Retired Teaching Member of the Hematology Department at İ.Ü. Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, said, "Myeloma is a disease that causes multiple organ damage. Among the frequently occurring symptoms are anemia, bone pain, fractures, recurrent respiratory and urinary tract infections, severe back and lower back pain, acute and chronic kidney failure." When myeloma is suspected along with clinical symptoms, diagnosis can be made through blood, urine and bone marrow biopsy examinations.

Hygiene is Very Important for Myeloma Patients

There is no special diet type for myeloma patients, though certain foods can affect medications taken during treatment. These should be indicated to the patient by their physician. Beyond this, the most important point that myeloma patients must pay attention to is hygienic and balanced nutrition. They should consume fresh, daily-cooked foods. They should avoid uncooked processed meat and unsafe offal. Besides nutrition, the living spaces of myeloma patients should also be hygienic. To protect against infections, masks should be used in crowded places when necessary. Patients with active working lives can continue working without overexertion when the stated conditions are met. However, rest is important during treatment. Light exercises such as walking can be performed.

Oncological Treatment Options Are Most Effective

Myeloma is one of the diseases where oncological treatments are most effective. Multiple myeloma disease has a cure. Over the last 20 years, many new effective targeted drugs have been developed that target myeloma structure and growth characteristics. With these new targeted drugs and high-dose chemotherapy supported by autologous stem cells in appropriate patients, effective results are being achieved in treating the disease. In myeloma treatment, general side effects seen in oncological treatments such as weakness, fatigue and nausea may occur. All treatments should be conducted under the supervision of an experienced physician, the recommendations of the treating physician should be followed, and a doctor should be consulted in case of any unexpected situation," he said.