The American Red Cross and American Cancer Society Partner

This year, 1.9 million people will be diagnosed with cancer. Needing a blood transfusion can be an essential part of going through cancer treatment. For those undergoing chemotherapy treatments, a blood transfusion might give them relief from some symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Cancer patients use nearly 1/4 of the blood supply – more than patients fighting any other disease – but only 3% of Americans donate blood in a given year.

That’s why the American Red Cross and the American Cancer Society have teamed up to encourage people across the country to Give Blood to Give Time. When you donate blood or platelets you’re helping cancer patients receive the lifesaving care they need.

Find a blood drive or donation center in your area to give blood or platelets. You can dedicate your donation to someone affected by cancer after your donation. Schedule Now»

Donate Blood or Platelets to Help Cancer Patients

Your blood or platelet donation could help a patient with cancer. Find a donation opportunity near you to give blood or platelets. Dedicate your donation to someone affected by cancer after your donation.

Did You Know?

3 people are diagnosed with cancer every minute

Many cancer patients require blood transfusions

Blood products cannot be manufactured

1 in 3 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime

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Cancer patients use nearly one quarter of the blood supply

Only 3 percent of the American public donates blood in a given year

Football running back and cancer survivor, James Conner of the Arizona Cardinals, is teaming up with the American Red Cross and American Cancer Society to urge people to Give Blood to Give Time to help patients battling cancer.

Conner, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2015, raises awareness about the important role blood can play during intensive chemotherapy and radiation treatments used to treat cancer, which can both damage the body’s ability to generate healthy blood cells and cause potentially life-threatening conditions. Blood transfusions from generous donors provide patients with critical clotting factors, proteins and antibodies needed to help them fight back.

Cancer Treatment Resources

Sign up below to download a copy of “How to Help a Friend Who Has Cancer” or select a link below to learn more about blood transfusions in cancer treatment.

Partnering to Support Cancer Patients

The American Red Cross and American Cancer Society have joined forces to raise awareness of the need for blood donations to support patients battling cancer.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid, and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org.

The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of 1.5 million volunteers dedicated to saving lives, celebrating lives, and leading the fight for a world without cancer. From breakthrough research, to free lodging near treatment, a 24/7/365 live helpline, free rides to treatment, and convening powerful activists to create awareness and impact, the Society is the only organization attacking cancer from every angle. For more information go to www.cancer.org.