AML World Awareness Day April 21 to spotlight rare blood cancer
Focus this year is on providing resources, support for treatment and after
April 21 marks AML World Awareness Day — a global effort to boost recognition of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and raise funds for research into the rare and aggressive blood cancer.
Spearheading the effort is Know AML, a global education and awareness initiative. It is steered by an ambassador group of patients, caregivers, advocates, and healthcare professionals, and funded by industry sponsors including ThermoFisher Scientific, Kura Oncology, and Syndax.
“As patients, survivors, caregivers and advocates, it is our responsibility to ensure that those affected by AML are given the opportunity to raise awareness and advocate for themselves, in addition to having the resources, education and support they need to navigate life both during and beyond treatment,” Christine Verini, CEO of Cancercare, said in a press release. Cancercare is a New York-based nonprofit that provides free, professional support services for people living with cancer; the organization is teaming up with Know AML for awareness day this year.
Cases of AML have continued to increase this century, with about 145,000 people worldwide diagnosed with the rare cancer, per a 2021 study. Males and older people are disproportionately affected.
Know AML is spearheading World Awareness Day events
AML is an aggressive type of blood cancer that arises when immature blood cells in the bone marrow grow out of control. It is most commonly treated with chemotherapy, although other approaches such as stem cell transplant may be used in some cases.
These treatments are hard on the body and the mind, advocates note — and they can have long-term effects even after they’re stopped. Some patients may not be aware of these impacts and may not know about the care available for managing them.
In recognition of this, and in honor of World Awareness Day, Know AML is providing an interactive guide that discusses navigating life after AML treatment. The guide’s focus is on how these treatments affect a person’s long-term physical and psychological health. It comes in an easy-to-read chapter format that can be accessed on the website or downloaded as a PDF.
Anna Mamwell, who lives with this cancer and is a Know AML ambassador, said she was “pleased that this was chosen,” noting that the effects of treatment are “certainly something I have struggled with.”
“So raising awareness will be great,” Mamwell said.
Cancercare is proud to collaborate with Know AML in raising awareness and providing the much-needed emotional and practical guidance to help patients and families live fuller, healthier lives.
The organization is encouraging individuals affected by AML to help spread the word about the interactive guide. Patients, caregivers, and advocates are also urged to show support by sharing AML Awareness Day graphics and resources on social media using the hashtag #KnowAML.
“Cancercare is proud to collaborate with Know AML in raising awareness and providing the much-needed emotional and practical guidance to help patients and families live fuller, healthier lives,” Verini said.
Anyone participating in the awareness events is asked to complete a survey before and after the day to inform strategies to improve the campaign in the future.
For its part, Leukaemia UK is also encouraging supporters to become educated about the signs and symptoms of AML. The charity is also seeking donations that will support AML research aimed at improving outcomes for those living with this blood cancer.
For those wishing to learn more, the organization offers on its website a video with information about AML, stories from patients and researchers, and details about its advocacy initiatives.
As part of these efforts, Leukaemia UK hosted an event with members of Parliament last month to discuss the need for action to save the lives of people with leukemia and to advocate for the implementation of its policy recommendations in the government’s upcoming National Cancer Plan.
Other organizations such as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Leukaemia & Myeloma Research UK also support AML World Awareness Day.
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