World Blood Cancer Day 2023

This Sunday 28 May is World Blood Cancer Day, which marks a day for people to show their support for those affected by blood cancer.

Lymphoma is the most common type of blood cancer in the UK, with someone being diagnosed with lymphoma every 26 minutes in the UK. 

What makes lymphoma a type of blood cancer? 

Lymphomas are officially classed as a blood cancer because they develop from a type of blood cell. Specifically, they develop when a type of white blood cell, called a lymphocyte, grows out of control. 

Lymphocytes are part of your immune system. If you have lymphoma, abnormal lymphocytes collect in your lymphatic system, usually in your lymph nodes. This is why the most common symptom of lymphoma is swollen lymph nodes.

How can I get involved and help people affected by blood cancer? 

World Blood Cancer Day is run by DKMS, who are dedicated to fighting against blood cancer and blood disorders. They encourage people to help raise awareness about blood cancer and stem cell donation. Stem cell transplants are used to treat some types of blood cancer, including certain lymphomas. There are two types of stem cell transplant: 

• autologous stem cell transplants, which use your own stem cells 
• allogeneic stem cell transplants, which use stem cells donated from someone else whose cells ‘match’ yours as closely as possible.  

DKMS are encouraging people to support World Blood Cancer Day by signing up to be a blood stem cell donor. In doing this, people would help someone who is having an allogeneic stem cell transplant.  

There are specific requirements you have to meet to be eligible to become a donor. However, if you don’t meet these criteria, DKMS is still encouraging you to get involved, and it may be that family or friends want to consider becoming a donor. Spread the word to make as many people as possible aware of the importance of becoming a stem cell donor.  

Use the hashtags #WBCD2023 and #MakeItRed on 28 May.