Cancer is a leading cause of death around the world. The World Health Organization estimates that 84 million people will die of cancer between 2005 and 2015 without intervention.

Each year on February 4, WHO joins with the sponsoring International Union Against Cancer to promote ways to ease the global burden of cancer. Preventing cancer and raising quality of life for cancer patients are recurring themes. This year’s theme, “Cancer can be prevented too,” focuses on simple measures to prevent cancer such as: don’t smoke, eat healthy, exercise, limit alcohol use and protect against cancer-causing infections.

United Blood Services joins WHO and other health agencies around the country in the fight against cancer. Each day at United Blood Services centers around the county, special blood donors help cancer patients fight their battle. They donate platelets.

Platelets are used in large quantities, and over extended periods of time, by leukemia, cancer and bone marrow transplant patients. Platelets also are used following surgery to help stop bleeding. With a shelf life of only a week, platelets are a very precious component of blood.

During a platelet donation, whole blood is collected into a machine that separates the platelets then returns the red cells and other components to the donor. You may donate platelets as frequently as every seven days, but no more than 24 times in a calendar year.

It takes more than an hour to donate platelets, but platelet donors say they enjoy the down time while they are helping cancer patients. Besides watching television, reading or visiting with other donors, some donors make “to do” lists, answer their email, or simply relax during the lifesaving process.

These warriors need more lifesavers on their team! Please join the fight against cancer and donate platelets. With World Cancer Day in February now is a perfect time to start.