Breast Cancer Awareness Month: How you can help by donating blood or platelets
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, when we are reminded of the importance of early detection, research, support and action in finding a cure.
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women. It’s estimated that about 30% of newly diagnosed cancers in women will be breast cancers.
As of January 2022, in the United States, there are more than 3.8 million women with a history of breast cancer.
This year, an estimated 287,850 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the United States, with 51,400 new cases of non-invasive breast cancer. About 2,710 new cases of invasive breast cancer are also expected to be diagnosed in men in 2022.
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 might 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
Blood transfusion is a unique treatment because it is made possible by volunteer donors.
While all blood types are needed, Carter BloodCare has an urgent need for type O blood and platelets.
Type O is in high demand because O- is the universal red cell donor, the only type able to give red cells to all other recipients, and O+ red blood cells can be transfused to any positive blood type.
Platelets are used to help prevent bleeding and infections in cancer patients.
How to donate with Carter BloodCare
Carter BloodCare encourages all eligible blood donors to support breast cancer patients and those in need of transfusions by donating blood and platelets.
Find a Carter BloodCare donor center or mobile drive near you, or call 800-366-2834 to make an appointment that saves lives.
Invite friends and family members to join you in donating. You can also host a blood drive to get others involved.
As a thank you, each Carter BloodCare donor in October will receive a package of two pairs of cancer awareness socks. Platelet donors will also receive the “I Give for Texans” T-shirt recognizing cancer awareness.
About Carter BloodCare
Carter BloodCare is an independent, community blood center providing transfusion resources to more than 200 medical facilities in 50-plus 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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