Helping people with cancer
People with cancer may require transfusions of red blood cells, plasma, platelets or all three for a variety of different reasons.
Transfusions help people with cancer to continue treatment and to help them remain well. In the case of a stem cell transplant - it can directly save their life.
That’s where you come in – whether you donate blood, plasma, platelets or stem cells you could be giving someone with cancer the chance to combat it.
Why donations matters for people with cancer
Cancer and cancer treatment can affect the body’s ability to produce healthy blood cells. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and some cancers of the blood or bone marrow can lower blood counts or damage the immune system.
Donations can:
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replace red blood cells so oxygen can be carried around the body
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reduce the risk of serious bleeding by restoring platelet levels
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support the immune system using plasma
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provide stem cells to rebuild healthy bone marrow
For many patients, these treatments are lifesaving.
How different blood components help in cancer treatment
Blood
People with cancer may need red blood cell transfusions if their levels are low. Low red blood cell counts (anaemia) can cause extreme tiredness, breathlessness and dizziness.
Transfusions can help people:
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feel stronger and less fatigued
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continue chemotherapy or radiotherapy safely
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recover after surgery or intensive treatment
Blood has a limited shelf life of 35 days, meaning donations are needed all year round to ensure hospitals have the blood they need, when they need it.
Can I give blood if I have had cancer?
Our advice depends on the type of cancer.
Please search for the relevant cancer in our health & eligibility section.
Platelets
Platelets help the blood to clot. Cancer and cancer treatments can reduce platelet levels, increasing the risk of bleeding.
Platelet transfusions are often needed:
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during chemotherapy or stem cell treatment
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before or after surgery
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when platelet levels drop to unsafe levels
Platelets last just 7 days, so regular donations are always needed.
Stem cells
Stem cells are found in the bone marrow and help make new blood cells. Some cancers, such as leukaemia and lymphoma, affect the bone marrow.
A stem cell transplant can:
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replace damaged bone marrow
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allow the body to make healthy blood cells again
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offer a potential cure for some blood cancers
Patients need a closely matched donor. Many stem cell donors are recruited from blood donors.
Plasma
Plasma is the part of your blood that carries platelets, red blood cells and white blood cells around the body. It also contains antibodies which fight infections.
Plasma transfusions can help people with cancer who:
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have weakened immune systems
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develop infections during treatment
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experience problems with blood clotting
You could donate plasma if you’re able to travel to a plasma donor centre in Birmingham, Reading, or Twickenham.
