Today (Saturday, February 4) is World Cancer Day and Lifeblood is calling on Lismore locals to support cancer patients by donating blood.

Cancer patients need more than 10,000 blood donations every week, and with diagnoses predicted to increase by 22% by 2031, the need for more blood donors is growing too.

To raise awareness of how donated blood and plasma can help people living with cancer, Australian fashion designer and breast cancer survivor Camilla Franks has teamed up with Lifeblood to help boost blood donations.

The Sydney designer, renowned for her exotic kaftans and celebrity following, has designed a bright, bold, limited-edition bandage, which will be rolled onto the arms of donors who donate at Lismore Donor Centre throughout February.

• 34% of all donated blood collected in Australia is used to treat cancer and blood diseases

• 76% of Australians know someone who has or has had cancer, but a majority does not know how blood and plasma helps cancer patients (54% percent say they do not know anyone who has received a blood product, while a further 13% are unsure).

• Cancer patients often need many transfusions of blood, plasma, or plasma medicines during their treatment

• On average, one acute leukaemia patient in treatment needs nine units of red cells every month, or 36 units of platelets each month, with four donors needed to make up each bag of platelets. They could need one or both products for the duration of their diagnosis, which can last anywhere from eight months to years.

Lifeblood spokesperson Scott Morrison said there was a common misconception that most blood is used in trauma and emergency situations, but that a third of blood and blood products are used by cancer patients.

“During chemotherapy, platelet counts can become very low so patients may receive a platelet transfusion to prevent bleeding. Or they may need a medication made from donated plasma, called IVIG, which can help them remain strong enough to fight the disease, by boosting their immune systems,” Scott Morrison said.

Lismore Donor Centre needs 350 people to donate blood and plasma this month.

“Most of us know someone who has, or has had, cancer. We’re asking you to roll up your sleeve this month to support all those Australians being treated for cancer right now,” said Scott Morrison.

To book a donation, call 13 14 95 or book online at www.lifeblood.com.au or on the DonateBlood app.