Cancer and its treatments often affect the bone marrow, where blood cells are produced. Many patients with cancer need transfusions during their journey, not as a cure for cancer itself, but as vital supportive care.

How blood counts are affected

Chemotherapy and some radiotherapy:

·       Damage rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells and healthy bone marrow cells.

·       Can lower red cell counts (causing anemia), white cell counts (increasing infection risk) and platelet counts (raising bleeding risk).

Patients may feel:

·       Very tired and breathless due to anemia.

·       Prone to bruising, nosebleeds or gum bleeding due to low platelets.

·       Vulnerable to infections due to low white cells (managed with other medicines, not transfusion).

Red cell transfusions in cancer

Red cell transfusions are given when:

·       Hemoglobin is significantly low and causing symptoms like breathlessness, chest pain or severe fatigue.

·       There is bleeding or major surgery planned during treatment.

When used appropriately, red cell transfusions:

·       Improve energy levels and quality of life.

·       Help the heart and other organs cope with the stress of illness.

·       Allow chemotherapy schedules to continue safely.

Platelet transfusions in cancer

Platelet transfusions are commonly used when:

·       Platelet counts fall below safe levels due to chemotherapy or bone marrow disease.

·       There is active bleeding or invasive procedures planned (like biopsies or surgeries).

Platelets:

·       Help prevent spontaneous bleeding in the brain, gut and other organs.

·       Are often given as “prophylactic” transfusions when counts are dangerously low, even if the patient is not visibly bleeding.

Because platelets have a short shelf‑life, these transfusions rely heavily on regular donors.

Supporting patients and families

Patients and families should understand:

·       Transfusions do not treat the cancer directly, but they are essential to safely carry on with curative or life‑prolonging treatments.

·       Needing transfusions is not a sign of failure; it is a normal part of many cancer treatment plans.

·       Monitoring for transfusion reactions and staying in close contact with the oncology team is important.