What is the PROMISE Study?
PROMISE is the first nationwide screening study for multiple myeloma and its precursor conditions, MGUS and Smoldering Multiple Myeloma. Individuals are eligible if they are 40-75 years old, have a first-degree relative with MM or a precursor condition and/or identify as Black/of African descent. **If you are 75 years old and would like to participate, you are still welcome to sign up.
Enrollment is extremely easy, all done online by answering a few questions and giving consent. Participants will receive a kit mailed to their home they can take to their local Quest Diagnostics for the blood draw.
This study is a non-interventional, minimal risk, crowd-sourced screening to study those without a cancer diagnosis.
What Is Multiple Myeloma?
When you are healthy, plasma cells in your body fight infection and disease. Sometimes these cells develop incorrectly and become multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. Multiple myeloma causes kidney problems, decreased iron levels (also called anemia), bone decay and other symptoms. Multiple myeloma currently does not have a cure.
Why Should African Americans Get Screened?
African Americans are three times more likely to be diagnosed with multiple myeloma than other Americans. If early warning signs, or precursor conditions, are caught before myeloma develops, there are ways that clinicians can help to alleviate symptoms and prolong an individual’s health.
How Am I Protected?
The PROMISE Study is sponsored by the Dana-Farber Institute of Cancer, a prestigious clinical organization in Boston. The PROMISE Study has many policies in place to maintain the privacy of your personal information.
What If I Have Questions?
The PROMISE Study team is prepared to answer your questions through email at promisestudy@partners.org or by phone at 617 – 582 – 8544. Talk to your pastor if you are seeking faith-based guidance.
How Can I Sign Up?
Join the PROMISE Study by enrolling online at www.enroll.promisestudy.org Thank you for helping black families stay healthy together!
