Blood cancers, such as non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and leukaemia, are some of the most common childhood cancers, with patients having a 50% survival rate. However, South Africans who are between age 17 and 55, and in general good health can help increase the cancer survival rate among the country’s children by becoming blood stem-cell donors.
Speaking in light of National Cancer Survivors Day, Palesa Mokomele, Head of Community Engagement and Communications at DKMS Africa, explained a blood stem-cell transplant from a matching donor is typically a patient’s best chance for survival, but only 0,7% of the population is registered as donors. “It is for this reason that we are imploring South Africans to register and give a child living with blood cancer the lifeline they need to fight against this disease.
“Consider little Siphiwokuhle, a 4-year-old who was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). This is a type of cancer that starts in cells in the bone marrow and moves rapidly into the blood, sometimes spreading to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, liver, spleen and central nervous system. Around 68% of children under age 15 with AML live at least five years after the cancer is found, so a blood stem-cell transplant is crucial for increasing their longevity. While Siphiwokuhle’s overall health seems to be stable at the moment she’s able to play and live a relatively normal life, so we want to ensure that she completely conquers the cancer so that she can live life to the fullest.
“But it’s not just patients with blood cancers who can benefit from a blood stem cell transplant. Those with blood disorders need them too. Clementine, for instance, has at only 8 months old been diagnosed with a newly discovered, extremely rare genetic condition that makes it difficult for her body to distinguish healthy cells from infectious agents. She is one of only 10 children to have ever been diagnosed with this condition, and the first girl to receive the diagnosis. Finding a matching donor is unfortunately her only chance for survival.”
Mokomele explained that registering is a simple three-step process. “Start by visiting the DKMS Africa website and filling out the online registration form to determine whether you can safely donate. If you are eligible, a courier will deliver a swab kit to your home at no cost to you.
When you receive the kit swab the inside of your mouth and cheeks, and a courier will collect the kit from you within five days. These will be analysed to determine your human leukocyte antigens (HLA) characteristics. “These are crucial for determining whether you will be a match for a patient in need,” Mokomele noted. “Ideally, 10 out of 10 relevant HLA characteristics should correspond between the patient and the donor.
“Once we have analysed your samples you will be added to the global stem-cell registry, and you will form part of every donor search for a patient. It is only with more donors that there will be more blood cancer survivors.”
To support patients like Siphiwokuhle and Clementine, register today to become a blood stem-cell donor at https://www.dkms-africa.org/register-now. For more information, contact DKMS Africa on 0800 12 10 82.
