Written By: Prerna Mittra | Published : July 12, 2025 1:00 PM IST
Medically Verified By: Dr Lalit Dhantole, consultant-transfusion medicine at Fortis Hospital, Mulund
How Does Blood Donation Help Cancer Patients? (Photo: Freepik)
Blood donation for cancer patients: Blood donation is a simple act that can save lives, and it is especially critical for victims of accidents, patients undergoing surgery or recovering from a trauma. It is also crucial for people who are managing chronic conditions, or even fighting cancer. Dr Lalit Dhantole, consultant-transfusion medicine at Fortis Hospital, Mulund points out that cancer patients require an extensive amount of blood for various reasons. Certain cancers, like colon or stomach cancer, cause blood loss. The patients' bodies, therefore, require blood replacement.
"People with blood cancers -- like leukemia, lymphoma or multiple myeloma -- also need blood throughout the treatment. As the disease grows, the cancer cells crowd out the bone marrow, preventing the patient from producing enough blood. Donated blood helps their organs to function. Some cancers like kidney cancer can also change a person's hormone levels, which can suppress blood production. To manage complications and enable the patients to continue with their chemotherapy or surgery, blood transfusions are routinely administered," says Dr Dhantole.
Know about blood components and their significant role in supporting cancer patients:
According to the doctor, anyone who fits the general blood donation standards can donate blood to cancer patients. But, their blood will have to be checked and processed at a licensed blood bank. Some basic eligibility criteria include age (18 to 65 years), hemoglobin count (a minimum of 12.5g/dl), and weight of the donor (minimum 45 kg).
