Cancer treatment extends far beyond surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation, it requires a steady and reliable supply of blood products, particularly platelets. In South Africa, the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) plays a pivotal role in supporting oncology patients by ensuring the availability of safe, life-saving platelet products when they are most needed.

Why Platelets Matter in Cancer Care

Platelets are small, disc-shaped cell fragments in the blood.  Their main job is to help blood clot and prevent excessive bleeding. For many cancer patients, especially those undergoing chemotherapy or bone marrow transplants, platelet counts can fall to dangerously low levels. 

This condition is known as thrombocytopenia, which simply means “low platelet count.” When platelet numbers are too low, even small injuries can lead to severe bleeding, and sometimes bleeding can occur spontaneously. Without platelet transfusions, patients face serious risks that could interrupt or even stop their treatment.

In oncology units across the country, platelet transfusions are not optional; they are a cornerstone of supportive care. For children with leukaemia, adults undergoing stem cell transplants, and patients receiving high-dose chemotherapy, platelets often mean the difference between continuing treatment safely or halting it due to life-threatening complications.

SANBS: Meeting a Growing Clinical Need

SANBS is at the forefront of providing this critical resource. Through its network of collection centres, laboratories, and advanced processing facilities, SANBS ensures that platelets are available for oncology patients in need. Unlike red cell concentrates that can be stored for up to 42 days, platelets have a shelf life of just five days, making their collection, testing, and distribution a continuous and time-sensitive operation.

This short lifespan highlights the importance of regular donations – particularly of apheresis platelets, collected from a single donor using specialised equipment. Apheresis platelet donations allow SANBS to provide a concentrated and consistent product for patients who may require multiple transfusions over weeks or months of treatment.

Partnerships with Oncology Teams

SANBS works closely with oncology units in the 8 Provinces in which it operates to forecast and manage demand for platelets This collaborative approach means patients can undergo aggressive but potentially curative therapies knowing that supportive transfusion care is in place.

Donors: The Unsung Heroes in Cancer Care

Behind every platelet transfusion is a donor who chose to give of their time and blood to help save a life. For oncology patients and their families, these donors are an invisible but indispensable part of the care team. SANBS continually advocates for increased awareness around the need for regular platelet donation, reminding South Africans that saving a life from cancer often begins at a donor centre.

Looking Ahead

As cancer diagnoses increase and treatments become more advanced, the demand for platelets will only rise. SANBS remains committed to innovating its collection and supply chain systems while deepening collaboration with clinicians to ensure no patient faces avoidable delays in treatment due to blood product shortages.

In oncology care, platelets are more than just cells – they are a lifeline. And in collaboration with SANBS, South Africans can play a direct role in offering hope, healing, and more tomorrows to those fighting cancer.

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