Call for blood donors to support people living with cancer, as demand rises
This February Lifeblood is calling on Dubbo locals to support cancer patients by donating blood or plasma. Currently, more than 10,000 blood donations are needed every week to support people living with cancer and – with diagnoses predicted to increase by 72per cent by 2040 – cancer patients will need even more donors to support them over the next decade.
Australian Red Cross Lifeblood has joined forces with Cancer Council to help boost donations as those living with cancer are currently the biggest users of donated blood in Australia. Cancer Council CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan said as cancer diagnosis increases dramatically over the coming years, so too will the need for life-saving blood products. “Almost one in two Australians will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85, and the number of Australians living with
or beyond cancer in 2040 is expected to reach 1.9 million people, up from one million people in 2018,” Professor Buchanan said.
“It takes many hands to tackle cancer and, with this in mind, we have joined forces with Lifeblood to help raise awareness that donating blood is a great way to support someone living with cancer,” she said. Lifeblood’s Executive Director of Donor Experience Cath Stone said 34 per cent of blood products
are used by cancer patients. “There is a common misconception that most blood is used in trauma and emergency situations, but a third of blood and blood products are used by cancer patients.” People living with cancer often need many transfusions of blood, plasma, or plasma medicines during their treatment.
This month 18 members from the Dubbo Nepalese Community rolled up their sleeves to provide life-giving donations
of blood and plasma. Sunsil Bhandari is on his 35th donation: “The Dubbo Nepalese Community are strong supporters of Lifeblood. Each few months we ensure a group of donors are here to offer their help. This month we have seven new donors. It is an important matter because anyone could need this blood. I am so proud to be able to help someone that may need these resources.”
◊ To donate please contact Lifeblood on 13 14 95 or visit: lifeblood.com.au