Blood donors can make a difference during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October
25% of the blood supply is used for patients fighting cancer, notes Carter BloodCare
BEDFORD, TEXAS (Sept. 29, 2025) – Carter BloodCare is encouraging all eligible blood and platelet donors to help breast cancer patients and those in need of lifesaving transfusions.
The call-to-action for local blood donors comes as October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, emphasizing the importance of early detection, research and support.
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in the United States, with 1 in 8 women diagnosed in her lifetime. Breast cancer accounts for about 30% of all new female cancers each year, according to the American Cancer Society.
The disease mainly occurs in middle-aged and older women. The median age of breast cancer diagnosis is 62 years old.
In 2025 alone, an estimated 316,950 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the United States, with an additional 59,080 new cases of non-invasive breast cancer. About 2,800 new cases of invasive breast cancer are also expected to be diagnosed in men in 2025.
The role of transfusions in cancer treatment
With medical and procedural advancements to combat specific forms of cancer, in many instances, effective cancer treatments trigger a need for blood transfusion.
There can be blood loss during cancer surgery, which may call for red blood cells and platelets to replenish blood loss and support clotting.
Also, one of the most common side effects of cancer-fighting chemotherapy is low blood-cell counts.
Patients receiving other cancer treatments, such as radiation and bone marrow transplants, can require blood transfusions to help them avoid infections or excessive bleeding due to a lack of platelet production.
Blood and platelet donors save lives
Texas-based Carter BloodCare notes 25% of the community blood supply is used to help people who receive cancer-fighting medical treatments.
Carter BloodCare’s health care professionals say all blood types and components are needed, especially type O negative and platelets, in October. The universal blood type, O negative can be used to treat any patient; this is crucial in an emergency when the patient’s blood type is not immediately known. In addition, O negative is the only blood type that can be used to support premature and unborn babies. Platelets are vital to slow or prevent bleeding and infections.
Blood transfusion is a unique treatment because it is made possible by volunteer donors.
Donors can begin giving blood at age 16 with parental consent; those 17 and older can donate independently at any Carter BloodCare location. Also, eligible donors must weigh at least 110 pounds and feel well on the day of donation.
To find a neighborhood Carter BloodCare blood drive or donor center, visit CarterBloodCare.org or call 800-366-2834 to make an appointment to save lives.
Companies, places of worship, schools, civic groups and others can host blood drives with Carter BloodCare to get the community involved.
As a thank you, each Carter BloodCare donor in October will receive an exclusive Dallas Cowboys T-shirt, available while supplies last.
About Carter BloodCare
Carter BloodCare is an independent, community blood center providing transfusion resources to more than 200 medical facilities in 57 counties of North, Central and East Texas. The nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization is one of the largest blood programs in Texas, delivering more than 440,000 blood products annually to meet hospitals’ requirements for their patients. Services include collection, processing, specialized laboratory testing, storage and distribution of blood and blood products.
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Sources
National Breast Cancer Foundation: Facts and stats
American Cancer Society: Breast cancer statistics