DKMS-BMST – Bridging the Care Gap in Blood Cancer Treatment on National Cancer Awareness Day
National Cancer Awareness Day serves as a poignant reminder of the significant burden of cancer in India, including blood cancers like leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. Every year over 1 lakh people in India are diagnosed with blood cancer or blood disorder such as thalassemia and aplastic anemia. While advancements in medical science have improved treatment outcomes, access to life-saving therapies, particularly blood stem cell transplantation, remains a major challenge for many patients.
DKMS-BMST, a leading organisation dedicated to fighting blood cancer, is committed to addressing this pressing issue. By raising awareness about the critical role of blood stem cell transplantation and implementing innovative patient support programs, DKMS-BMST is working tirelessly to close the care gap and provide hope to countless patients.
Patrick Paul, CEO of DKMS-BMST Foundation India says,“Our Access to treatment program is a testament to our dedication to ensuring that no patient is denied life-saving treatment due to financial constraints. Additionally, our stem cell registry plays a vital role in connecting patients with potential donors, offering them a second chance at life.”
Blood stem cell transplantation, a proven curative treatment for many blood cancers, involves replacing a patient’s damaged blood stem cells with healthy ones from a compatible donor. Peripheral Blood Stem Cell (PBSC) donation is a simple and effective way to save lives.
Dr. Nitin Agarwal, MD Transfusion Medicine, HoD, Donor Request Management, DKMS-BMST Foundation India says, “PBSC donation is a safe and straightforward process that takes 3-4 hours. It’s a remarkable opportunity to make a profound impact on the life of a patient in need. We encourage everyone to consider becoming a potential stem cell donor and join the fight against blood cancer.”
On National Cancer awareness Day, DKMS-BMST urges individuals to take action and support the cause. By registering as a potential blood stem cell donor, you can become a lifesaver.
In India, every year, over 1 lakh people are diagnosed with blood cancer or a blood disorder. For a successful blood stem cell transplant, patients need a perfect HLA-matching donor. Unfortunately, only 0.09 % of the Indian population have registered as potential donors. Patients and donors of Indian origin have unique HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) characteristics severely under-represented in the global database, making the probability of finding a suitable donor even more difficult.
To register as a potential stem cell donor, you must be a healthy Indian adult between 18 and 55 years of age. When you are ready to register, all you need to do is complete a consent form and swab the inside of your cheeks to collect your tissue cells. Your tissue sample is then sent to the lab to be analyzed and listed anonymously on the international search platform for matching stem cell donors. If you’re eligible, take the first step to register as a blood stem cell donor by ordering your home swab kit at www.dkms-bmst.org/register