Blood Donors Versus Cancer

There's Power in the Blood, an old Gospel hymn has an obvious meaning that there's power in the blood of Jesus Christ to forgive sins. But there's power in your blood too. There are personal benefits for the donor who donates blood, like it lowers blood pressure, raises good cholesterol levels (HDL) while lowering the bad (LDL), reduces dangerous platelets or clots, purifies the blood, stimulates the production of red (iron rich) blood cells, lowers the risk for heart attacks, heart disease and strokes. And there are indications that it may reduce the occurrence of Dementia and Alzheimer's. But there is an even better reason to donate blood and it is that you could save someone's life or several lives for that matter. But there is also another way your blood can save lives. It is for cancer patients.

When you give blood, it's taking sides in a giant game of dodge ball. You are teaming up with the doctors, surgeons, lab workers, and cancer patients. Blood donors are most often overlooked in the fight against cancer. It is the person who donates blood that can give an adult or child a chance to fight for their life. And this is one in which the weakest link in the care system could prove fatal. That of the blood donor. Take a look at the donor's blood in relation to the fight against cancer.

Cancer is the number one use for blood platelets

Cancer treatments can often lead to the need for blood transfusions

Surgery to treat cancer is often a major operation and blood loss may require a quick transfusion on short notice

Some cancers cause intestinal bleeding, which can lead to anemia and blood loss

People with certain types of cancer might need blood transfusions because of the cancer itself

Cancer patients with particular stages of leukemia may require blood or blood transfusions

You can visit the American Cancer Society's website to find out more about how you can donate intentionally, for the express purpose of helping cancer patients. They need blood just as bad as someone bleeding from an accident in some hospital. Jamie Gregory didn't make it. He is the boy picture who died at age 9. They are also fighting for their life. If not you, then who?