Stanlee Lu, MD
Medical Oncologist
& Hematologist
Clinical Corner
Worldwide, Cancer incidence is increasing and with
the discovery of novel cancer drugs, survival has also
improved. Unfortunately, most chemotherapy drugs
used in cancer treatment affect cells in the bone
marrow where blood cells are produced. This leads to
low blood counts causing anemia, increased risk for
bleeding and infections.
Whether a patient is getting cancer treatment for
cure or to prolong life, it is important for these
patients to continue with treatment without delays or
interruptions. Often, a treatment is delayed because of
low blood counts. In these settings, transfusion of blood
and blood products often allow patients to continue the
fight with cancer with minimal or no delays at all.
Nearly 5 million people each year will need blood
transfusions in the United States and a significant fraction
of this will be cancer patients. While a lot of breakthrough
research has allowed us to discover drugs that aid the bone
marrow to increase production of blood cells, the response
time is usually days to weeks. Donated blood therefore
remains an important immediate life-saving resource.
With increasing demand for blood and blood products,
there continues to be problems with shortage across the
United States adversely affecting treatment outcomes.
Battling cancer is already hard and it shouldn't be any
harder simply because we are lacking such a widely
available resource as blood. By donating blood, you
empower cancer patients to continue the fight against
cancer. Your blood donation can make a difference.
Blood Donors Must:
Be healthy*
Be at least 17 years old in most states, or 16 years old with
parental consent if allowed by state law.
Weigh at least 110 lbs.
Additional weight requirements apply for donors 18 years
old and younger and all high school donors.
* Note: Healthy means that you feel well and can perform normal
activities. If you have a chronic condition such as diabetes, healthy also
means that you are being treated and the condition is under control.
How do I prepare for my donation?
Hydrate:
Be sure to drink plenty of fluids on the day of your
donation.
Wear Something Comfortable:
Wear clothing with sleeves that
can easily be rolled up above the elbow.
Maintain a Healthy Level of Iron in Your Diet Before Donating:
If possible, include iron-rich foods in your diet, especially in the
weeks before your donation.
Bring a List of Medications You Are Taking:
We will need
to know about any prescription and/or over the counter
medications that may be in your system.
Bring an ID:
Please bring either your donor card, driver's
license or two other forms of identification.
Bring a Friend:
Bring along a friend, so that you may both
enjoy the benefits of giving blood.
Relax!
Blood donation is a simple and very safe procedure so
there is nothing to worry about.
Have a Heart, Give Blood this Valentine's Day!
What
:
Blood Drive
Date
:
February 14th, Valentines Day!
Time
:
11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Where
:
Tri-Cities Cancer Center
7350 W. Deschutes Ave., Kenn.
Would you like to help cancer patients and others in need of blood? Visit
www.redcrossblood.org
and enter our
Sponsor Code
, TCCancerCenter
,
to sign up!