March 28, 2024

Red Cross offers a surprising way to help patients kick cancer

Give platelets or blood to help patients battling cancer

Posted

People may be surprised that they can play a direct role in the fight against cancer, and it’s easier than they might think. By donating platelets or blood through the American Red Cross, donors can share their strength and help patients kick cancer.

Platelets are tiny cells that form clots and stop bleeding. About 2 million units of platelets are transfused each year in the U.S., and more than half of all donated platelets go to cancer patients.

“Some cancers and certain types of chemotherapy drugs and radiation can damage bone marrow, where red blood cells and platelets are produced,” said Dr. Pampee P. Young, chief medical officer, American Red Cross. “Cancer patients often require blood products during treatment or after surgical procedures. Platelet transfusions, in particular, are needed to prevent life-threatening bleeding and help cancer patients continue receiving lifesaving treatments.”

Because platelets must be transfused within just five days from the time they are donated, platelet donors have the power to help save up to three lives within days of their donation.

In addition to cancer patients, platelets and blood are needed every day for lifesaving surgeries, traumas and those living with blood disorders. The Red Cross must collect more than 2,500 platelet and about 13,000 blood donations every day for patients at about 2,500 hospitals nationwide. In the Massachusetts Blood Services Region, 164 platelet and 352 blood donations are needed each day.

How to donate platelets
Platelet donation is available at the following Red Cross blood donation centers. Appointments are encouraged and can be made using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org/Cancer or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Local Platelet Donation Centers:

Boston
274 Tremont StDanvers
99 Rosewood Drive
Dedham
180 Rustcraft RoadRaynham
275 New State Highway
Weymouth
208 Main StWorcester
381 Plantation Street
Springfield
150 Brookdale Drive

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here

Share!
Truly local news delivered to every home in town