The disease not only affects patients physically but also places a heavy emotional and psychological burden on children. The ability to secure compatible stem cell donors remains a critical gap that could shape future outcomes for thousands of patients.

Beyond diagnosis, many patients face another critical hurdle: finding a matching stem cell donor. This process can be especially difficult due to limited and uneven donor registries, which reduce the chances of finding a suitable match in time.

Leukaemia is a cancer of the blood-forming tissues and bone marrow, characterised by the rapid production of abnormal, dysfunctional white blood cells that crowd out healthy blood cells, according to the World Health Organisation.

“Leukaemia … often robs them (young people) of a normal childhood, with long 
hospital stays and intense treatment”

“Leukaemia is one of the cancers that affects young people the most, and it often robs them of a normal childhood, with long hospital stays and intense treatment,” said DKMS Africa community engagement and communication head Palesa Mokomele.

“Early detection is extremely important because it allows for better management of the illness and increases the chances of successful treatment. Finding a matching stem cell donor remains a major challenge, and even when a match is found, availability and timing are critical for saving a patient’s life.”

Knowledge is power when people understand the life-saving impact of stem cell donation; they are more likely to step forward and help those in need, she said.

Even when a compatible donor is identified, availability can present another obstacle, as donors are not always able to proceed with the donation when urgently needed.

Mokomele stressed that donor registration and availability are essential, as stem cell transplants are often time-sensitive procedures for patients who are in critical condition.

Myth vs Fact on stem cell donation. Photo: Facebook/DKMS

Symptoms of blood cancer include:

• unexplained weight loss, bruising, or bleeding;
• persistent fatigue and fever;
• bone and joint pain;
• lumps, swelling, or skin changes;
• shortness of breath and night sweats;
• frequent infections;
• abdominal issues, and
• neurological symptoms.

OFM News reported a diverse donor registry is essential to ensure that every blood cancer or blood disorder patient can find a compatible stem cell match.

Finding a genetic match is critical for a patient’s survival, yet it remains incredibly rare, especially for black and coloured patients.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame sm

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