Depending on the type, size, location and degree of spread, cancer treatment may include:
1
Surgically removing the abnormal cells and surrounding tissue
2
Radiotherapy, which uses high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells or stop them growing, and
3
Medications including chemotherapy to kill or slow the rate of cancer cell growth.
Blood cancers
Blood cancers like leukaemia and lymphoma have a significant effect on your white cell, red cell and platelet counts, which can result in life-threatening infections, anaemia and bleeding.
A transfusion of red cells, platelets and plasma products may be needed to get your levels to a safer range, helping you feel better and putting you in a better position for treatment.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy drugs affect fast-dividing cancerous cells but can’t tell the difference between good and bad cells.
That means that bone marrow, which is like a factory for blood cell production and has fast dividing cells, is also affected by chemotherapy.
Patients receiving chemotherapy treatment have decreased ability to produce new blood cells and aren't able to replace blood cells that have been destroyed. To compensate for this side effect of chemotherapy, transfusion of red cells or platelets may be needed.
Blood transfusions help manage signs and symptoms experienced due to low blood cell counts and enable you to continue your cancer treatments.
Surgery
If an operation is needed to remove the abnormal cells and surrounding tissue, you may require a transfusion if there is severe blood loss.
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Avoid a transfusion
There are some things you can do to lower the chances of needing a transfusion.
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Types of transfusion
Not all transfusions are the same. Red cells, platelets and plasma all treat different conditions.
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Receiving a transfusion
Everything you need to know, from what ‘informed consent’ means through to your recovery.
See our transfusion guide
