National Blood Donor Month

January is National Blood Donor Month, established to address the seasonal decline in blood donations during the winter months. This month, take the opportunity to learn why blood donation is vital—and consider donating blood to help those in need.

The Critical Role of Blood Donations for Cancer Patients

Did you know cancer patients use about 25% of all yearly blood donations? Blood donations are crucial because they provide essential components that help cancer patients combat the effects of their disease and its treatments:

• Clotting factors, proteins, and antibodies: These components help the body fight infections and recover from cancer treatments.
• Platelets: Platelet transfusions are critical after treatments like chemotherapy or radiation, which can deplete platelet levels.
• Red blood cells: These cells are essential for carrying oxygen throughout the body, ensuring energy and healing during treatment.

Why Cancer Patients Need Blood Transfusions

Cancer patients may require blood transfusions for several reasons:

• Internal bleeding: Certain cancers can lead to internal bleeding, which may necessitate blood transfusions.
• Bone marrow damage: Chemotherapy can harm bone marrow, reducing the production of red blood cells and platelets.
• Treatment side effects: Surgery, radiation, and other treatments can result in complications that require blood transfusions to stabilize the patient.

How You Can Help

This January, consider making a life-saving difference by becoming a blood donor. Donating blood could save the life of a cancer patient or someone else in critical need.

Start by talking to your doctor or visiting a local blood donation center to see if you’re eligible to donate. 

Give blood. Save lives.