HEALTH DESK
As World Blood Cancer Day (May 28) approaches, medical experts are sounding the alarm over the country’s severe shortage of registered blood stem cell donors, a gap that continues to cost thousands of lives each year. With over one lakh new blood cancer cases annually and more than 70,000 deaths, stem cell transplantation remains the only curative option for many patients. Yet, delays in diagnosis and the lack of timely donor matches often prevent patients from receiving life-saving treatment.
Currently, only 0.09% of India’s population is registered as blood stem cell donors, leaving nearly 70% of patients dependent on unrelated donors with slim chances of finding a match. Experts emphasize that genetic and ethnic compatibility makes donor diversity crucial, but India’s registry remains too small and limited to meet the growing demand.
Dr. Esha Kaul of Medanta Super Speciality Hospital highlighted the urgency: “Blood cancers can progress very rapidly, and delays of even a few months in finding a donor can drastically reduce survival chances. Expanding India’s donor registry is critical to ensure timely transplants.”
Patrick Paul, Executive Chairman of DKMS Foundation India, echoed this concern, stressing that awareness has grown in metropolitan cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, and Chennai, but donor registrations in Tier-2, Tier-3, and rural regions remain low. He urged young individuals, corporates, and communities to step forward, noting that “finding a matching donor in time can mean the difference between life and death.”
Doctors also warn that delayed diagnosis worsens outcomes. Dr. Aruna Rajendran of Madras Medical College explained that many patients initially dismiss symptoms as minor illnesses, losing valuable time before reaching specialized care. By then, the disease may have advanced, limiting treatment options.
Misconceptions about stem cell donation further hinder registry growth. Dr. Nitin Agarwal of DKMS Foundation India clarified that donation is often similar to blood donation, with quick recovery and minimal risk. He emphasized that young donors between 18 and 35 years are especially vital to expanding the pool.
Since its inception in 2019, DKMS Foundation India has registered over 2.8 lakh potential donors and facilitated more than 250 transplants, offering hope to patients battling blood cancer and other blood disorders. Eligible individuals aged 18–55 can register by ordering a home swab kit through the DKMS India website, joining a global movement to save lives.
As India confronts the growing burden of blood cancer, experts agree that strengthening the donor registry is not just a medical necessity but a moral imperative to give patients a fighting chance at survival.