The Vital Role of Blood Transfusions
Every September, we come together to shine a spotlight on Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. It's a time for us to pay tribute to the brave children and survivors who have faced pediatric cancer, and to rally support for critical research and advanced treatments.
Did you know that in the United States alone, more than 15,000 children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer every year? These young fighters often rely on regular blood products throughout their treatment journey, whether it's for chemotherapy, surgery, or managing complications.
How Blood Donations Help Cancer Patients
Did you know that more than a quarter of the U.S. blood supply is used by patients battling cancer? Each year, over 1.9 million people are diagnosed with a new cancer, and many of them will require blood transfusions during their treatment. Individuals with cancer may need blood due to anemia and/or thrombocytopenia caused directly by the disease or as a result of treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, or blood loss during surgery.
Our Advocacy Work
ABC is championing policies that promote equitable access to blood products while growing and diversifying the blood donor base to ensure patient needs are met.
Discover the Reality of Blood Donation in America
Download the definitive guide to U.S. blood donation and public messaging, where you can explore over 40 verified statistics that offer crucial insights into America's blood supply and its donors. This guide is designed to provide the latest look at the state of blood donations, utilizing data from rigorously researched sources and expert input.
Learn More with Key Resources
The Journey of Blood
Learn how community blood centers engage with communities and donors to ensure a safe and diverse blood supply for transfusions to help patients, including for cancer treatments.
Safety of the Blood Supply
Learn why ensuring the safety of the nation’s blood supply is the top priority for America’s Blood Centers and the entire blood community.
Trends Impacting the Blood Supply
Learn about current trends impacting the nation’s blood supply, as well as ABC’s efforts working with the Administration, Congress, and industry stakeholders to promote the value of blood and strengthen and diversify our nation’s donor base.
More from Our Partners
America's Blood Centers partners with a diverse range of national organizations to strengthen the nation's blood supply and support the work of ABC members.
Here are resources from some of our key partners to help support your efforts during this critical month.
Be a Social Advocate
With your help, we can reach more potential donors and ensure there’s blood on the shelf when it’s needed the most. Spread the word online today using these resources provided by ADRP: The Association of Blood Donor Professionals.
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month Toolkit
Cancer Awareness Graphics
