Sister's Trek for Rare Blood Cancer Awareness

TV presenter Gillian Joseph is embarking on a challenging trek of Scotland's West Highland Way from May 5-12, 2026. This endeavor aims to raise awareness and funds for Black Women Rising, a charity supporting women of color diagnosed with cancer. Joseph's motivation stems from her sister Charmaine's battle with myeloma, an incurable blood cancer that is two to three times more common in Black individuals.

Myeloma, a blood cancer originating in the bone marrow, is often overlooked and misunderstood, frequently confused with melanoma. Gillian's personal mission is to educate the public about this disease, particularly its higher incidence within the Black community. She emphasizes that earlier detection significantly improves intervention and treatment outcomes, even though a cure for myeloma does not yet exist.

Charmaine, who has decided to discontinue chemotherapy, has been inspired by her sister's efforts to explore alternative treatments like immunology. This personal journey underscores the broader issue of health inequalities faced by Black women, who often experience delayed diagnoses and systemic barriers to care. Myeloma UK reports that Black patients wait longer for diagnoses and that their quality of life is more significantly impacted.

Despite being treatable, with over half of patients surviving for five years or more, myeloma is a persistent condition. Red-flag symptoms include persistent back pain, fatigue, bone fractures, and unexplained weight loss. Gillian urges people to seek medical advice for these symptoms, rather than dismissing them as signs of aging or overexertion.