Leukaemia Foundation and Australian Red Cross Lifeblood unite this World Leukaemia Day (4 September) to urge Australians to donate blood for cancer patients – the nation’s biggest users of blood products.
Imagine being told you have leukaemia.
Within hours, your world is turned upside down as you’re immediately thrown into life-saving treatment. But alongside that treatment, specialised care and months of uncertainty, there is something else you will likely depend on to survive.
A stranger’s blood.
This World Leukaemia Day, the Leukaemia Foundation and Lifeblood are urging more Australians to roll up their sleeves after a new Lifeblood survey revealed most people are unaware that cancer patients – not trauma victims – are the nation’s largest users of donated blood.
Surprisingly, seven in ten Australians believe people involved in accidents and emergencies are the biggest users of donated blood products.
However, 34 per cent of donated red cells are in fact used by people with cancer. This is 17 times more than the blood used for people involved in road accidents and other traumas.
“Over one in three blood transfusions in Australia occur in people living with cancer, including blood cancers like leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma,” said Chris Tanti, CEO, Leukaemia Foundation.
“These figures are expected to increase as blood cancer incidence continues to rise, alongside many other cancers.
For thousands of patients, donated blood, plasma and platelets are not simply part of treatment – they are a crucial lifeline that keeps them alive long enough for the treatment to work.
“Blood donations are undoubtedly one of the most powerful yet often overlooked ways that Australians can help someone facing cancer.
Blood cancer patients are also the nation’s largest users of platelet transfusions, using two-thirds of donated platelets. Unlike whole blood, platelets have a shelf life of just seven days, creating an ongoing need for regular donors.
Australian Red Cross Lifeblood Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Cornelissen AM, said whilst demand for blood products continues to grow, only 1 in 30 Australians donate, with millions more potentially eligible.
“Every day, donated blood products are helping Australians through some of the toughest moments of their lives, including many people undergoing cancer treatment,” said Stephen.
“Because of the short shelf-life of platelets, we need a constant stream of generous donors to ensure hospitals have the blood products they need when patients need them most.
“Every blood donation could be the reason someone can continue treatment, avoid life-threatening complications, and spend more time with the people they love.”
Patients diagnosed with acute leukaemia are among those with the greatest need for blood products, sometimes requiring up to 36 bags of platelets each month. With four blood donors needed to make each bag of platelets – that single patient may rely on the generosity of 144 strangers every month.
Blood cancer treatment can leave patients unable to produce enough blood cells or platelets on their own. Without regular transfusions, many would be unable to continue treatment or could face life-threatening bleeding.
“When someone is undergoing treatment for blood cancer, they don’t just need the expertise of doctors and nurses to survive – they need the generosity of complete strangers to donate their blood,” said Mr Tanti.
Stephen added, “This World Leukaemia Day we’re asking Australians to think about the extraordinary impact one simple act can have. Every donation has the potential to make a life-saving difference and directly contribute to a recipient’s survival.”
To book an appointment to donate blood or plasma call 13 14 95, visit lifeblood.com.au or download the Lifeblood app.
If you or someone you love is impacted by blood cancer, the Leukaemia Foundation is here to help. Call 1800 620 420 or visit our website for support.
