You may find support groups for multiple myeloma at hospitals, at community centers, at churches, and online. Some groups are led by a moderator with professional expertise on the condition, while others are led by members.

Support groups are in-person or online gatherings where people with the same health condition or challenge meet to discuss their experiences and concerns. Support groups for multiple myeloma may also discuss:

Some support groups have a specific focus — for example, they’re intended for people of a certain gender or teens with multiple myeloma. Others are broader, like groups for people with blood cancers.

As you start treatment and navigate your condition needs, you may want to consider joining a support group for people with multiple myeloma. Meeting others who know what you’re experiencing can help you feel less alone and may provide you with additional resources and coping strategies.

The doctor or healthcare team treating your cancer may be a great resource for finding a support group. Many cancer hospitals and clinics already offer these spaces to their patients.

A few other ways to find a support group may include:

  • calling a multiple myeloma or general cancer organization
  • asking a social worker at the doctor’s office or hospital where you get treatment
  • reaching out to local community centers
  • talking with other people with your type of cancer
  • searching online in forums and blogs
  • contacting your church or spiritual practice community

Multiple myeloma organizations may offer various online and in-person support groups to help members cope with their diagnosis. You can contact them directly to ask for information like membership, dates and locations, and other support resources they may offer.

International Myeloma Foundation (IMF)

IMF is the world’s largest organization devoted to this type of cancer. It has more than 525,000 members in 140 countries around the world.

Along with funding research and educating the public about multiple myeloma, the IMF hosts 150 support groups throughout the United States.

To find a support group in your area, you can visit the organization’s support groups page and enter your city and state or ZIP code. If you prefer more direct advice on which groups may work for you, you may also contact the Foundation directly at 800-452-2873 (800-452-CURE) in the United States and Canada.

Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF)

This nonprofit offers various support resources for people who have been diagnosed with multiple myeloma. It can help you find treatment centers, financial assistance, and patient education programs.

MMRF also has a directory of national support groups organized by state. You can also work one-on-one with a mentor before or in addition to joining a support group.

American Cancer Society (ACS)

The ACS is a resource for people with all types of cancer, including multiple myeloma. On the organization’s resources page, you can enter your ZIP code, choose the multiple myeloma support program, and click “find resources.” The site will bring up a list of support groups in your area.

ASCO.Net

The American Society of Clinical Oncology has an educational website that covers all types of cancer. It also has a page of support groups, organized and searchable by cancer type.

Going online for support may be an option if you live in a rural area, prefer to remain anonymous, or don’t feel well enough to attend an in-person group.

Examples of online multiple myeloma groups are:

Facebook also hosts many multiple myeloma support groups. Many of these groups are closed or private, so you’ll have to request an invitation.

CancerCare

This cancer support organization has existed since the early 1940s. It offers free services to help people manage the challenges of living with cancer, including an online general blood cancers support group and a multiple myeloma support group.

Support groups for your support network

Your loved ones and caregivers may also benefit from attending a support group. They may have questions and concerns about how to better support you and how to cope with their own emotions and thoughts about your diagnosis.

Most of the organizations that offer support groups for people with cancer may also offer spaces for family and friends.

The Caregiver Action Network (CAN) may be a good first step to learning more about resources for family caregivers.

Choosing a support group for multiple myeloma is personal and depends on your overall needs and preferences. It may also depend on how comfortable you are talking about yourself and your diagnosis in front of people you don’t know at first.

To decide whether a support group suits your personality and needs, you may want to ask to sit in on a session. Then, you can observe the dynamics and determine whether it’s a good fit for you.

Also, asking yourself these questions may help in the process of choosing:

  • Would you prefer the anonymity of an online group to an in-person one?
  • Would you like to be part of a large or small group?
  • Would you pay a fee to join the support group? (Most groups don’t charge for participating.)
  • Is everyone in the group around the same age as you? Does this matter to you?
  • What are your expectations regarding a support group, and do you think this group would meet them?
  • Do you have specific support needs that your family, friends, and healthcare team may not help with?
  • Would the group meet these specific needs or some of them?
  • Does the group meet at a convenient location for you?
  • How does the group manage confidentiality and privacy?
  • Do the timing and frequency of meetings work with your schedule?
  • Does everyone actively participate? Will they mind if you stay quiet? (Most support groups are fine with having some people stay quiet and just listen in on the conversations.)
  • Do you need to talk about your feelings and concerns, or are you more interested in talking about coping and management options? Which of these are discussed in the group?
  • Does the group have a moderator? Do you like their style?
  • Do you need or want a religious component to the group?
  • Do you feel safe and validated in the group?

Support groups are safe spaces for discussing one’s experience, concerns, and strategies when living with a chronic condition like multiple myeloma. Some have moderators with professional experience with the condition, while others are led by members who have gone through the same experience.

You may find support groups for multiple myeloma at a local hospital, national or international cancer foundation or association, Facebook, community centers, and other online resources.

The right multiple myeloma support group for you is where you feel safe, validated, and comfortable.