In memory
Colin Powell and Multiple Myeloma: Understanding a Blood Cancer
General Colin Powell lived with multiple myeloma, a cancer of certain blood cells. Here's a plain-language look at what that means.
Please note: this page is educational only — it is not medical advice, and it does not speculate about anyone’s health beyond reliable public reporting. For questions about your own health, talk with your healthcare team.
On screen
General Colin Powell — a former U.S. Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff — was living with multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. He died in October 2021 at age 84 from complications of COVID-19, and it was widely reported that his myeloma was among the underlying conditions that affected his health. His family shared these details publicly, and his passing brought attention to how cancers of the blood can affect the immune system.
The reality
The National Cancer Institute explains that plasma cell neoplasms occur when abnormal plasma cells form cancerous tumors in bone or soft tissue. When there is only one such tumor, it is called a plasmacytoma; when there are multiple tumors, it is called multiple myeloma. NCI also describes multiple myeloma as a cancer that begins in plasma cells — a type of immune cell — with the abnormal myeloma cells building up in the bone marrow and forming tumors in bones throughout the body. Because plasma cells are part of the immune system, this cancer and its treatments can affect how well the body fights infection.
What the story gets right — and what to remember
Powell's story reflects an important and sometimes overlooked point: a blood cancer like myeloma, and the treatments used for it, can weaken the immune system and make infections more serious. Still, every person's situation is different. His experience is a reason to learn and to be thoughtful about protecting health, not a prediction for anyone else and not medical advice.
Awareness, screening & prevention
NCI states that it does not have evidence-based information about preventing multiple myeloma, and it does not have evidence-based information about screening for it. There is no recommended routine screening test for the general public. Because myeloma can affect the immune system, people living with it often work closely with their care team on ways to lower infection risk. Any concerns about symptoms or infection are best discussed with a healthcare professional.
Turning a story into something useful
General Powell's openness helped many people learn that multiple myeloma exists and that it involves the immune system. Understanding what myeloma is — and why infections can be a bigger concern for people living with it — is a meaningful way to respond. Sharing accurate information and supporting free cancer education helps others find clear answers when they need them.
Questions to ask a healthcare team
- What is multiple myeloma, and how might it affect the immune system?
- What steps can help lower the risk of infection during treatment?
- What are the goals of treatment in this situation?
- Where can I find reliable, plain-language information about myeloma?