Access to resources for multiple myeloma

Patient Valarie explains her self-education about multiple myeloma, how it affects the African American community and her wishes for the future in the medical community.

Transcript

00:00

Prior to my diagnosis, I had never heard of multiple myeloma. I was not aware that it's a cancer that

00:07

affects the African-American community at two greater times.

00:17

I learned about the prevalence of multiple myeloma in African-American community after I took over leadership

00:23

of my local support group. And I started seeing that it's more prevalent in African-Americans. And I'm like well why did I not know that?

00:31

I want to see primary care physicians. I want to see kidney doctors to receive more training

00:38

and know what the symptoms of multiple myeloma are. I would love to have doctors of color.

00:45

I do realize that that is not always possible, because, you know, the-- the diversity in the medical field

00:52

just isn't there. But it is important because they understand. A lot of times we associate that trust factor

00:59

with people that look like us. I do think it-- it would have made a difference, or it can make a difference when you're seeing a doctor of color

01:08

if you're a person of color. [MUSIC PLAYING]