Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
LAS VEGAS (June 7, 2026) — Today is the 38th Annual National Cancer Survivors Day, and the American Red Cross of Southern Nevada is asking donors to give blood in honor of cancer survivors and in support of patients still going through treatment. The call comes as scheduled donation appointments have dropped sharply nationwide in recent weeks and the summer donation slowdown begins.
Cancer patients use nearly one-quarter of the nation’s blood supply, more than patients being treated for any other disease. Blood transfusions can be an important part of cancer treatment, especially for patients undergoing chemotherapy, surgery or treatment for complications that affect the body’s ability to produce healthy blood cells.
“Cancer treatment can be physically and emotionally exhausting for patients and families,” said Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter. “Donating blood is one way to help support patients who may need transfusions during treatment, surgery or recovery.”
In Nevada, the American Cancer Society estimated 17,540 new cancer cases and 5,450 cancer deaths in 2025. Many patients facing cancer may need blood products during treatment, including red blood cells to help with anemia or platelets to help prevent bleeding.
A Decline in Scheduled Donations
Scheduled donations account for about 90% of all blood donations, and appointments have dropped sharply in recent weeks nationwide. The decline has contributed to a drop of several thousand units in the blood supply in just one week, raising concern as the summer donation slowdown begins.
Blood donations often decrease during the summer as the school year ends, families travel and regular routines change. At the same time, hospitals continue to need blood for emergencies, surgeries, cancer treatment, childbirth complications and trauma care. Blood has a shelf life of only 42 days, making regular donations essential.
How to Donate
Donors can view available times and schedule an appointment through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting redcross.org/GiveBlood or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Those who come to give blood June 1-28, 2026, will receive a $15 e-gift card and be entered for a chance to win one of two $7,500 gift cards. Additional details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/June.
How Blood Donations Help Cancer Patients
Cancer and cancer treatments can affect the body’s ability to make healthy blood cells. Chemotherapy and radiation can damage bone marrow, and blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma can also affect the marrow where blood cells are produced.
Some cancer patients may need red blood cell transfusions to help manage anemia or platelet transfusions to help prevent serious bleeding. More than half of donated platelets go to cancer patients, and platelets must be used within five days of donation.
About National Cancer Survivors Day
National Cancer Survivors Day is observed each year on the first Sunday in June. The day honors people with a history of cancer, from the moment of diagnosis through the rest of their lives.
The observance began in the United States and is now marked in communities around the world. It is a day to celebrate survivors, recognize the challenges they may continue to face and support patients, caregivers, families and health care teams.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
