Bone Marrow Stem Cell Donation and Leukaemia Awareness Month is observed every year from 15 August to 15 October. This important awareness campaign shines a light on leukaemia—a type of blood cancer—and the life-saving potential of bone marrow stem cell donation. It also aims to inspire more people to register as donors, helping increase the chances of finding matches for patients in need of transplants.

Understanding Bone Marrow and Leukaemia

Bone marrow is the soft, spongy tissue found inside your bones. It produces hematopoietic stem cells, which develop into red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. In patients with leukaemia, the bone marrow produces abnormal white blood cells that crowd out healthy cells, weakening the immune system and causing serious health problems.

A stem cell or bone marrow transplant replaces the damaged or cancerous cells with healthy ones—offering many patients their best chance at recovery.

How Donation Works

There are two main methods of donating bone marrow stem cells:

1. Peripheral Blood Stem Cell (PBSC) Donation

   • This is used in about 90% of cases.

   • The donor receives a medication (G-CSF) for five days to boost stem cell production.

   • Stem cells are then collected directly from the bloodstream using a special procedure.

   • The process takes 3–5 hours over one or two days.

   • It’s non-surgical and most donors go home the same day.

2. Bone Marrow Donation (from the pelvis)

   • This is done under general anaesthesia.

   • Stem cells are collected directly from the pelvic bone using a needle.

   • The procedure requires a short hospital stay (usually up to 3 days).

   • Some donors may experience temporary discomfort at the collection site.

Get Involved – Become a Donor

Organisations like DKMS Africa and the South African Bone Marrow Registry (SABMR) work tirelessly to fight blood cancer and recruit diverse stem cell donors. If you’re between the ages of 16 and 45 and in good general health, you can register as a donor by:

• Filling out an online form

• Providing a simple cheek swab sample

Every new donor brings hope to patients waiting for a match. Your decision to register could one day save a life.

Be the reason someone gets a second chance. Register today.

Sources: Department of Health RSA, Rare Diseases South Africa, DKMS Africa, SABMR.