Digestive & Multiple Myeloma Awareness
March 1 - March 31
March is a significant month for health observances, notably recognizing
Multiple Myeloma Awareness Month, Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month (a major digestive health focus), Kidney Cancer Awareness Month, and National Kidney Month.
Myeloma Awareness
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells in the bone marrow and is the second most common type of blood cancer. Awareness campaigns, often referred to as Myeloma Action Month, aim to shed light on its subtle symptoms and the importance of early diagnosis and research. The awareness color is burgundy.
Common symptoms are often remembered by the acronym CRAB:
- C for high blood Calcium levels.
- R for Renal (kidney) function impairment.
- A for Anemia (low red blood cell count).
- B for Bone pain or fractures.
Digestive Health Awareness
While a specific “Digestive Health Month” is observed in May by some organizations, March is dedicated to Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in the U.S. and Europe, which is a key part of digestive health. This observance emphasizes the importance of screenings like colonoscopies, as early detection can significantly improve survival rates.
Key initiatives include:
- Raising awareness of symptoms, which can include changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, and abdominal pain.
- Promoting screenings, which can prevent the disease by detecting and removing precancerous growths.
- “Dress in Blue Day,” an annual event where people wear blue to show support for the cause.
Kidney Health Awareness
March also serves as National Kidney Month and Kidney Cancer Awareness Month. The goal is to raise awareness about kidney diseases and cancer, their risk factors, and the importance of prevention and early detection. The awareness color for kidney cancer is orange
