Media contact: Sarah Martin
Regional Communications Manager
sarah.martin5@redcross.org | 951-432-9625
SALT LAKE CITY (August 1, 2023) — As we commemorate World Lung Cancer Day today, the American Red Cross of Utah is calling on the community to make a significant difference in the lives of cancer patients across the state. Please consider donating platelets or blood, a truly life-saving gift that can support cancer patients in their battle against this formidable disease.
Cancer treatment often requires a substantial amount of blood products. In fact, nearly one-quarter of the nation's blood supply goes towards aiding those suffering from cancer. Each donation, therefore, plays a critical role in ensuring that these patients have the resources they need to combat the disease effectively.
“A loved one’s cancer diagnosis often makes families and friends feel helpless, but there are real ways for all of us to help,” said Dr. Walter Kelley, Medical Director for the Rocky Mountain Division of the American Red Cross. “When someone donates blood or platelets or makes a financial gift, they are helping to give patients and their families time, resources and the hope they need to fight back.”
CANCER PATIENTS NEED BLOOD — THE FACTS
• One-third of individuals will face a cancer diagnosis within their lifetime.
• Many cancer patients, especially those undergoing chemotherapy, need blood products.
• Approximately six blood products per minute are necessary for cancer treatment.
• Chemotherapy often results in low blood counts, a major side effect that can impair bone marrow, decrease red blood cell and platelet production, and potentially lead to severe infections or bleeding.
• Cancer can also necessitate blood and platelet transfusions due to internal bleeding or by hindering the body's ability to produce blood cells.
Cancer patients need treatment, and the blood supply must keep up. This summer the American Red Cross has seen a concerning shortfall of about 50,000 donations over the past two months. The Red Cross supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood, needing to collect about 12,500 blood and 3,000 platelet donations daily to meet demand. “This summer’s decline in donations can strain the supply, meaning hospitals might not have what they need to save lives,” said Dr. Kelley. "And any one of us – family member, neighbor, close friend – could need a life-saving blood transfusion or treatment following a cancer diagnosis."
Give now. Help save lives.
Schedule a donor appointment today by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donors of all blood types are needed – particularly type O, the blood group hospitals use most.
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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.