Tuesday, February 4th, marks World Cancer Day, a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness, encouraging early detection, and supporting cancer patients and their treatment. Cancer does not discriminate- it affects people from all walks of life, from youth to the elderly, and while the fight against cancer can be overwhelming, there is something anyone can do to make a powerful difference in patient’s lives- donating blood.

How does your donation help?

One might not realize how vital a blood transfusion can be in cancer treatments. As a matter of fact, nearly 40% of all donated platelets and 25% of blood products go directly to cancer patients. Many treatments, like chemotherapy and radiation, though life-saving, can severely reduce the blood cell counts and lead to complications like anemia, infection, and difficulty clotting. For instance, when red blood cells are low, the body has a reduced ability to carry and transport oxygen throughout the body. A patient can experience fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath as a consequence. Similarly, if a patient is low in platelets, their body has a reduced ability to form blood clots, which can lead to uncontrolled bleeding from even small cuts or bruises.

Additionally, patients with leukemia, lymphomas, and other blood cancers are especially dependent on frequent blood and platelet transfusions for survival. Those undergoing bone marrow transplants or major surgeries to help remove cancers often require blood as well to help during recovery.

Every blood donation has a chance to help make a difference in the life of a cancer patient. Unfortunately, blood products are always in constant need and come from generous donations from people in the community. Not only can these donations help give patients the strength to keep fighting, but many patients after recovery are able to become donors themselves, showing how powerful a single donation can be!

World Cancer Day is not just about awareness, but a call to action to help those fighting against cancer, and providing resources needed to continue their treatments. Though a cancer diagnosis can leave patients feeling powerless and overwhelmed, we have the power to help give them strength. A single donation takes less than an hour to do, but can go on to have a powerful impact and save more than one life per donation.

If you haven't donated before, now is a wonderful time to start! The Red Cross hosts many drives all throughout the Philadelphia area, as well as a blood donation center. You can schedule here for an appointment and be a part of the fight against cancer.

To learn more about how your donation can impact patients, visit RedCrossBlood.org. 

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- Written by Samantha Antenucci