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 Leukaemia Awareness Month taking place between August 15 and October 15, the top five misconceptions that might deter registered donors from following through with donations are:
Myth 1: Donating stem cells is a painful surgical procedure.
Fact: For more than 90% of donors the process involves Peripheral Blood Stem Cell (PBSC) collection, a non-surgical procedure similar to donating blood. During PBSC, donors will rest comfortably while a needle is placed in each arm. 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 may experience mild side effects such as headaches, fatigue or muscle aches, which typically resolve quickly.
For a small percentage of donors (around 2%), stem cells might be collected directly from the bone marrow in the pelvic bone. This minimally invasive procedure is performed under general anesthesia. Although some donors experience temporary discomfort or soreness at the extraction site, the feeling is usually comparable to a bruise.
Myth 2: Donating takes too long and disrupts one’s life.
Fact: While the donation process involves some steps, it’s designed to be manageable. You’ll likely have a briefing call to explain the process, a health check to confirm your suitability, and an informative session about donation. The actual donation typically takes less than a day (4-6 hours) for the PBSC method.
For the bone marrow donation method, a hospital stay is involved, but it’s usually just three days. This includes check-in on day one, the procedure on day two, and discharge on day three.
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, more recovery time is needed, so they should plan for about one week’s leave.
Myth 4: My employer will be reluctant to allow me taking time off to donate.
Many employers are incredibly supportive of staff who donate stem cells. Most react positively to this selfless act. If your company doesn’t offer paid leave for donation, DKMS (an international non-profit organisation dedicated to the fight against blood cancer and blood disorders) has a financial assistance programme that addresses lost wage compensation.
Myth 5: Donating stem cells will cost me money.
Fact: Donations are completely free of charge for donors. DKMS covers all donation-related expenses, including travel, meals, and accommodation if necessary. Financial support is also provided for a companion to join donors at hospital. The donor’s medical aid will not be involved, and DKMS handles the costs of any necessary follow-up care.
Register today here.
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