LifeSouth - World Cancer Day

World Cancer Day takes place on February 4 this year and people from all around the world are being encouraged to work together and take a positive and proactive approach to the fight against cancer.

LifeSouth Community Blood Centers is reminding donors that blood and platelets are often crucial in the treatment of cancer patients. Due to either the cancer or the method of treatment, including chemotherapy or radiotherapy, cancer patients can develop anemia (a reduction in the number of red blood cells in their blood) or have a reduced number of platelets (the clotting cells which prevent bleeding) in their blood. A blood or platelet transfusion can give a patient more energy and improve their quality of life.

Many people know that blood is often used in accident and emergency situations, but more than 60 percent of blood is used for non-surgical treatment, which includes treating cancer and other blood disorders.

LifeSouth will be hosting a blood drive at UF Health North Campus in the West Entrance Hallway (formerly the Clinic Atrium) Monday, January 30 through Friday, February 3. Hours are Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Donors will receive a recognition item and a complimentary cholesterol screening. Donors must be at least 16 years old, weigh 110 pounds or more, and have photo I.D. Sixteen-year-old donors must have signed parental consent. For more information about becoming a donor or about blood drives in your area, call LifeSouth at (888) 795-2707 or visit www.lifesouth.org.