What’s the real scoop on donating bone marrow stem cells? Many myths might be holding you back from saving a life, so the DKMS Africa team are doing some myth-busting!
South Africa (07 August 2024) — While thousands of South Africans have registered as potential bone marrow stem cell donors, a critical challenge looms: registered donors getting cold feet. These dropout rates (which range from 23% all the way to 56%) can greatly delay the act of saving lives as suitable matches need to be found all over again. But, the good news comes in that unlike other part of life we might be reluctant to commit to, many of the worries donors and potential donors might have about donating stem cells have already been demystified!
Palesa Mokomele, the Head of Community Engagement for DKMS Africa, fills us in on all the myths that can keep heroes from finishing their mission or starting it:
Myth 1: Donating Stem Cells is a Painful Surgical Procedure
Fact of the matter is, for over 90% of donors, the process entails Peripheral Blood Stem Cell (PBSC) collection which is a non-surgical procedure like donating blood.
Donors will comfortably rest with a needle placed in each arm. Blood is drawn from one arm, passed through a machine that separates the stem cells, and the remaining blood is returned to the body through the other arm.
It’s not a painful experience, but some donors might experience headaches, fatigue or muscle aches. Good news: these symptoms don’t last long.
Only 2% of donors donate stem cells collected directly from the bone marrow in the pelvic bone. Even then, the process is minimally invasive and performed under general anaesthesia. The feeling is usually comparable to a bruise.
Myth 2: Donating Will Take Too Long and Disrupt One’s Life
The donation process involves steps for sure. But it’s designed to be manageable so that the process is not longer than necessary (lives are being saved after all).
How it works:
- You’ll have a briefing call to explain the process
- A health check to confirm your suitability
- An information session on donating
- And finally, the actual donation typically takes a few hours (4-6) for the PBSC method.
Myth 3: Donating Stem Cells Means Missing Lots of Work
Most donors can get back to work quickly, even within two days, for PBSC donations. Of course, for bone marrow donation, a little more recovery time is needed, so plan for a week of leave.
Myth 4: Bosses Won’t Be Okay With One Taking Time Off For Donations
DKMS shares that, in their experience, most employers have responded positively to the selfless act. But, in cases where companies don’t offer paid leave for donation, DKMS has a financial assistance programme that deals with lost wage compensation.
Myth 5: It’s Expensive
In actuality, donation is completely free of charge to the donor. DKMS covers all donation-related expense from travel to accommodation if needed. Financial support is also provided for a companion to join them at the hospital. Additionally, the donor’s health insurance will never be involved, and DKMS handles the costs of any follow-up care necessary.
More Resources
For the scoop on what registering is like, read this. To learn more about the impact you can have, read some of our donor hero stories like that of Siphosethu! Ready to become a donor? Visit here!
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