The Burden of Multiple Myeloma in New Zealand
On 26 June, Dr Liz Craig, List Member of Parliament for the Labour Party and Member of the Health Select Committee, launched a new landmark study on multiple myeloma in New Zealand.
The Burden of Multiple Myeloma report was led by Associate Professor Richard Milne, who says improving the management of myeloma in New Zealand will reduce the current economic burden on the healthcare system.
Below you will find the three reports including the Burden of Multiple Myeloma report, a summary of the report and its recommendations, and the results of a recent study of patients and carers of multiple myeloma.
Also included are speeches and presentations from the day, media coverage, photo gallery, the programme, and stand alone resources from the main report.
Reports and resources
The Burden of Multiple Myeloma: A study of the human and economic costs of myeloma in New Zealand
The purpose of this report is to raise awareness and understanding of multiple myeloma and its treatments and outcomes among policy makers, clinicians, patients and the general public, and to report on the human, psycho-social and economic costs of this disease in New Zealand. The economic perspective of the study is societal, in that it attempts to assess as many as possible of the costs relevant to myeloma.
The Way Forward
A summary of the Burden of Multiple Myeloma
Because of the sheer volume of material in The Burden of Multiple Myeloma, we decided to summarise it as a separate publication, with a focus on the findings of the report that can help us chart the way forward in the treatment of myeloma. Â
As the report demonstrates, there have been great advances in the treatment of this complex disease in recent years, seen in particular in significant increases in survival. We are committed to working constructively with the Government to find workable, affordable ways to make more of these treatments available to New Zealanders. Â
Patients’ Perspectives
The patient survey carried out in conjunction with the report provides valuable, real-life insights into what it is like to live with myeloma, and lessons on what can be done to improve support and quality of life for our patients and their families. We are grateful to the patients and caregivers who completed the survey and provided their stories.