Page 42 - Essentia Vol 5 Issue 1

VOL V | ISSUE I | 5 AUGUST 2026 VOL V | ISSUE I | 5 AUGUST 2026
A BIANNUAL NEWSLETTER OF ASSAM CANCER CARE FOUNDATION A BIANNUAL NEWSLETTER OF ASSAM CANCER CARE FOUNDATION

The Gift of

Life

Capturing the spirit of generosity
How Modern Blood

Donation Powers the Dr Karabi Barman

Fight Against Cancer Officer, Blood Centre
State Cancer Institute, Guwahati

Before it reaches a patient, a single donation of banks collected blood from a donor and supplied
blood begins a remarkable journey. What many it as whole blood. Today, traditional blood banks
people think of as one pouch of blood is carefully are evolving into advanced transfusion medicine
separated into multiple life-saving components, centres.
each designed to meet a different medical need. The gold standard in modern healthcare is
This means that one generous act can help save component therapy. Blood is separated into
up to four lives—from a child undergoing leukemia specific parts so that each patient receives only
treatment to a mother facing a life-threatening what their body needs. This prevents unnecessary
childbirth emergency. In modern healthcare, fluid overload and makes treatment safer and
blood is far more than an emergency reserve; it is more effective.
an essential, life-saving therapy used every day to
give patients a second chance at life. Breaking Down a Single Blood Donation:
• Red Blood Cells: Carry oxygen and are needed
The big change: Moving beyond whole by patients with severe anaemia or major blood
blood loss.

Over the past decade, medical facilities across • Platelets: Tiny cells that help stop bleeding by
India, including regional hospitals in Assam, have forming clots. They are crucial for cancer and
undergone a major transformation. Earlier, blood dengue patients.
• Plasma: The liquid part of blood, rich in proteins
that help blood clot during injury.
• Cryoprecipitate: A concentrated component
used to control severe bleeding during major
operations.

Why cancer patients need a blood
centre, not just a blood bank
Cancer care creates a continuous demand for safe
blood components. Chemotherapy, radiation and
A simple act of kindness with a lasting impact

42 Bravery isn’t about never falling—it’s about rising every time. 43