World Cancer Day - Why I Registered As Stem Cell Donor

Today is World Cancer Day. Normally I don't care much for World-Anything-Days, but one of the things the world actually needs, is more caring.

Cancer is a widespread disease that is responsible for around 20% of deaths worldwide. That is a lot. There are over a hundred different types, and pretty much everyone knows someone who suffers from it, or has a close relative who has died because of it.

Fortunately more and more research is being done, to try and find cures for this disease. A lot more research needs to be done, and if you would like to support this work, I suggest you visit this website specially set up to inform and connect people who want to get involved in spreading awareness about cancer. Because the main causes of cancer are known - smoking, obesity, poor diet, lack of physical exercise. Things to consider more carefully, every day.

Donating more than just money: stem cells

But science has also made progress in treating various types of cancer. But they not only need monetary support, they also require people to donate in other ways. Some months ago I decided to become a stem cell donor. You do a cheek swab to send in some of your mucosal layer, and your information becomes part of an international database. And nothing happens, until one day there is some with leukemia who can benefit from receiving some of your stem cells. You might be asked to come in and donate blood or part of your bone marrow.

Deciding to become a stem cell donor has been something I've carefully thought about. It's different from being a donor which will make your organs available after you're dead. Now, you allow for a medical procedure for a stranger you don't know and will probably never know.

Showing you care

There is not much I can personally do to alleviate the pain and suffering of people. Besides showing I care. And I really like that there are institutes now that help me in that desire to care, who organise all of this. I only needed to sign up and follow the instructions.

A small step for one individual, but a big stem, maybe even a life-saving step, for someone else.

32 million people world wide are stem cell donors. But as someone always needs a personal, genetic match, it's important for more people to register. I'm unsure if it is possible to become a stem cell donor in all countries around the world. In the Netherlands you can visit the website of Matchis for more information, in the UK there is Anthony Nolan for more information. And I'm sure google will help you find out if there is such an organisation in your own country.

Images freely provided for use by World Cancer Day website.

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