Multiple Myeloma Screening Education: A Community-Based Health Literacy Intervention

To address the lack of federal screening guidelines and a limited understanding of multiple myeloma among the public and some primary care providers, we created the first community-based multiple myeloma screening program and educational intervention.

The academic cancer center partnered with community organizations to distribute an original brochure about multiple myeloma, draw blood to check for monoclonal protein, and survey screening participants about multiple myeloma knowledge and screening experiences. Any Black individual aged 50 or older was eligible. To examine multiple myeloma knowledge retention, study team members surveyed participants after at least 1 week had passed and screening results had been provided. The educational intervention also included continuing medical education (CME) about the early detection of multiple myeloma for healthcare professionals. Analysis utilized descriptive statistics and the McNemar test to assess differences between the initial and follow-up surveys.

From 2023 to 2024, across 22 screening events, 199 participants completed the screening. Among the 158 individuals who completed both surveys, correct responses increased on all items and increased significantly on items about multiple myeloma being a rare cancer of the blood (19%, P < 0.0001) and that individuals with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) have an abnormal protein in the blood (12.1%, P = 0.002). Screening results identified 21 participants (11%) with MGUS. Forty-six healthcare providers engaged in three CME seminars.

Participants retained knowledge about multiple myeloma gained during the screening. Improved health literacy about cancer risk for multiple myeloma may improve early detection, communication, and decision-making about cancer care.

This study reveals that community members are receptive to multiple myeloma screening when healthcare professionals communicate with them about their risks and share knowledge about disease symptoms and incidence. Improved health literacy about cancer risk for multiple myeloma may improve early detection, communication, and decision-making about cancer care.