Stem cell donors are life-giving angels
Don't let misconceptions prevent you from stepping up.
Every registered stem cell donor brings hope to patients battling blood cancer.
While many South Africans have registered as donors, the misconceptions surrounding stem cell donation have led to donor attrition ranging from 23% to 56%.
This has significantly delayed finding a suitable match for blood cancer patients in desperate need of a potentially life-saving transplant.
With Bone Marrow Stem Cell Donation and Leukemia Awareness Month taking place between August 15 and October 15, the top five misconceptions that might deter registered donors from following through are:
Myth 1: Donating stem cells is a painful surgical procedure.
Fact: Over 90% of donors undergo Peripheral Blood Stem Cell (PBSC) collection, a non-surgical process similar to blood donation.
Blood is drawn from one arm, passes through a machine that separates the stem cells, and the remaining blood is returned to the body through the other arm.
While not painful, some donors experience mild side effects such as headaches, fatigue or muscle aches, which typically resolve quickly.
For 2% of donors, stem cells are taken from the pelvic bone under general anesthesia, with mild discomfort similar to a bruise.
Myth 2: Donating disrupts one’s life.
Fact: The donation process is designed to be manageable. This includes a briefing call to explain the process, a health check to confirm your suitability, and an informative session about donation.
The actual donation takes less than a day (4-6 hours) for the PBSC method, and a three-day hospital stay for the bone marrow donation method.
Myth 3: Donating stem cells means long periods away from work.
Fact: Most donors can return to work quickly. For PBSC donations, donors will likely be able to return within two days. If they donate bone marrow, they should plan for about one week’s leave.
Myth 4: My employer will be reluctant to allow me to take time off to donate.
Many employers are incredibly supportive of staff who donate stem cells.
If your company doesn’t offer paid leave for donations, DKMS (an international non-profit dedicated to the fight against blood cancer and blood disorders) has a financial assistance programme that addresses lost wage compensation.
Myth 5: Donating will cost me money.
Fact: Donations are completely free of charge for donors, including travel, meals, and accommodation. Financial support is also provided for a companion to join donors at hospital. The donor’s medical aid will not be involved.
Register today at www.dkms-africa.org/register-now.
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