BLOOD CANCER WE NEED MORE STEM CELL DONORS
DKMS: giving second chances at life
DKMS, a leading blood cancer charity, runs the largest stem cell register in the UK with over one million donors. The charity promotes registration, ensures equal access to stem cell transplants, and researches to improve recovery rates for blood cancer patients. With over 12.5 million donors worldwide, DKMS has facilitated over 125,000 stem cell donations. DKMS spokesperson Deborah Hyde says, “Only one in three patients finds a stem cell donor within their family. The rest need a match from strangers, offering them a second chance at life. By joining the register, you could be that lifeline in someone's greatest time of need. While most will never be called to donate, those who are have the potential to save a life.”
In the UK, someone is diagnosed with blood cancer every 14 minutes. This includes conditions such as leukaemia, myeloma, sickle cell disease, and aplastic anaemia. Approximately 2,000 people in the UK are waiting for a stem cell transplant to treat these conditions. Therefore, there is a need for more individuals to join the stem cell donor register. Currently, 2.1% of people aged 16-65 in Scotland are registered with DKMS, a blood cancer charity, which is below the UK average of 2.4%. Joining the register is straightforward and painless, taking only a few minutes. Individuals aged 17-55 who are in good health can sign up with DKMS.
In the UK, someone is diagnosed with blood cancer every 14 minutes.
28 Jigsaw - Summer 2025
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