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For the first time, Beatson Cancer Charity has joined forces with the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) to highlight the vital role blood donors play in the treatment of blood cancers.
To mark Blood Cancer Awareness Month, the organisations are raising awareness of how crucial blood donations are for patients living with blood cancers and blood disorders – with statistics showing that 37% of all blood donated in Scotland goes to support cancer treatment.
One of the people who knows just how vital blood donation is, is 65-year old Jan McNab from Glasgow, who works in Beatson Cancer Charity’s Wellbeing Centre and has lived with blood cancer for over a decade.
Jan was diagnosed with myelofibrosis 13 years ago, a rare type of blood cancer that affects how bone marrow produces blood cells. During her treatment, she became dependent on blood transfusions – sometimes receiving both red cells and platelets – and says she owes her life to the generosity of donors.
PICTURED: Jan McNab, works at Beatson Cancer Charity's Wellbeing Centre
Jan explained:
“The difference a transfusion makes is night and day. Before, the fatigue from anaemia was so overwhelming I sometimes couldn’t even lift my legs out of bed. After a transfusion, it was like coming back to life again. If it wasn't for the generosity of blood donors, I dread to think what my future would have been."
Now, through her work at Beatson Cancer Charity’s Wellbeing Centre, Jan provides support to patients and families every day. She believes her own experience helps her connect with those going through treatment.
“Being able to sit with patients, listen, and share what I’ve been through makes what I went through worthwhile. If I can reassure someone about what lies ahead, or show them how life can move forward, then that means so much to me. If sharing my story encourages even one person to become a blood donor, I’ll be delighted.”
Gillian Hailstones, Chief Executive of Beatson Cancer Charity, said:
“We’re proud to collaborate with the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service to raise awareness of the vital role blood donation plays in cancer care. Many people don’t realise that 37% of all blood donated in Scotland goes towards cancer treatment. Without those donations, the treatments patients depend on simply wouldn’t be possible.”
Jennifer Wilson from the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, added:
“Many people think the majority of blood is used in A&E wards, as a result of accidents or trauma. Blood Cancer Awareness month is an important opportunity to remind the people of Scotland, that by donating blood or platelets you make many types of cancer treatment possible. We do need more blood donors in Scotland at this time, and our Glasgow Donor Centre is open seven days a week.”
Beatson Cancer Charity and the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service are encouraging people across Scotland to consider becoming blood donors and to learn more during Blood Cancer Awareness Month this September.
