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GIVE BLOOD TO GIVE TIME

Blood Donations and access to care can help cancer patients.

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This year, 1.8 million people will be diagnosed with cancer, and blood is often essential to their fight. For those undergoing chemotherapy treatments, a blood transfusion can give them the strength to keep fighting. 

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 make a financial donation, you’re helping ensure cancer patients receive the lifesaving treatment and access to care they need.

Cindy Crawford's life was touched by cancer when her brother Jeff died from leukemia before he turned 4 years old. Today, she shines a light on how blood donors play an important role in the battle against cancer.

Cancer Takes So Much. You Can Help.

Donate Blood

Your blood or platelet donation could help a patient fight cancer. 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.

Make a Financial Donation

Your gift will be used by the American Cancer Society to support programs such as offering rides to treatment and lodging near treatment centers and ensuring that life-saving blood is always available for patients in need.

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

 

 

How Your Donation Can Help

Patients fighting cancer use more blood than patients fighting any other disease. And, there simply aren’t enough people donating regularly to meet the need. 

Meet Hannah. Hannah is a typical teenager who loves to cheer, dance and shop. She is also a leukemia fighter who shows us the importance of blood and platelet donations.

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.

Related Links

  • Blood transfusions for people with cancer: Treatment basics

  • Getting a blood transfusion: Process and potential risks

  • Alternatives to blood transfusions: Other types of treatment

  • Donating blood as a cancer survivor: Eligibility and safety

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Support for educational resources provided by Merck.

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.

© 2020 American Cancer Society, Inc. All rights reserved. The American Cancer Society is a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Privacy policy.

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