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Blood and platelet donations are vital for cancer patients.
Often, we can feel helpless when we find out a loved one or friend has been diagnosed with cancer. Donating blood or platelets is one way that you can offer life-sustaining help to people battling cancer.
Cancer and its treatment options can damage blood cells and many cancer patients rely on blood and platelet transfusions to help them through treatment.
The National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. states, “In 2021 an estimated 281,550 cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the U.S.”
Why Are Blood Donors Needed?
Cancer patients depend on blood and platelet donors in a number of ways.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy
Drugs taken during chemotherapy can cause a drop in white blood cells and platelets. This puts patients at risk for both infections and bleeding.
Radiation
Radiation treatment affects the bone and leads to low blood cell counts
SurgerySurgery
Patients who have surgery to remove cancer often need blood during the operation.
Bone Marrow TransplantsBone Marrow Transplants
Transplant patients may undergo chemotherapy or radiation therapy and need blood donations to recover.
AnemiaAnemia
Some cancers can cause internal bleeding which lowers red blood cell counts and causes anemia.
Chemotherapy
Drugs taken during chemotherapy can cause a drop in white blood cells and platelets. This puts patients at risk for both infections and bleeding.
Radiation
Radiation treatment affects the bone and leads to low blood cell counts
Surgery
Patients who have surgery to remove cancer often need blood during the operation.
Bone Marrow Transplants
Transplant patients may undergo chemotherapy or radiation therapy and need blood donations to recover.
Anemia
Some cancers can cause internal bleeding which lowers red blood cell counts and causes anemia.
How You Can Help
There’s more than one way to give blood. Let your blood type lead the way in targeting the best way for you to donate your powerful life saving gift.