Bone Marrow Donation: Myths Busted! What You Really Need to Know

It’s Bone Marrow Stem Cell Donation and Leukaemia Awareness Month (15 August – 15 October), and Affinity Health is tackling one of the biggest obstacles to saving lives: misinformation.

“There’s a great deal of fear and misunderstanding around bone marrow donation,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health. “We want to educate the public and show that this life-saving procedure is far simpler and less painful than most people think.”

The Urgent Need for Donors in South Africa

South Africa currently has just over 73 000 registered bone marrow donors – not nearly enough. Even more concerning: only about 10% of the registry represents Black South Africans, leaving patients from underrepresented communities with just a 19% chance of finding a match, compared to 75% for white patients.

By registering with the South African Bone Marrow Registry (SABMR), you could be the match someone desperately needs – possibly their only hope.

Myth vs. Truth: What You Should Know

Myth 1: Bone marrow donation is extremely painful

Truth: Most donations today use a method called Peripheral Blood Stem Cell (PBSC) donation. It’s similar to donating blood: a machine filters out stem cells while the rest of your blood is returned. Side effects are usually mild and temporary, such as fatigue or body aches.

Myth 2: You need surgery and a long hospital stay

Truth: Only about 10% of donations involve surgery, done under general anaesthetic. Donors usually go home the same or next day, and the body replenishes marrow within weeks.

Myth 3: Registering is complicated

Truth: Registration is quick and easy — just a form and a cheek swab. If you match with someone, you’ll be contacted for next steps.

Myth 4: You can only donate to family

Truth: Around 70% of patients don’t have a family match. Your recipient is more likely to be a stranger, sometimes even abroad.

Myth 5: Donating weakens your immune system

Truth: The body naturally replenishes what’s donated within weeks. No long-term impact, no weakened immunity.

Myth 6: Older people can’t register

Truth: Most registries accept healthy donors aged 18–45. Over 45? You can still help by spreading awareness or donating to support testing and transplants.

Why It Matters

For patients with leukaemia, bone marrow failure, or other blood disorders, a transplant could be the difference between life and death. Without enough registered donors, too many never get that chance.

“The process is straightforward, the discomfort is minimal, and the impact is enormous,” says Hewlett. “By registering, you could literally save a life.”

How to Get Involved

• Register: Visit the South African Bone Marrow Registry (SABMR) for details.
• Donate: Support organisations funding testing and transplants.
• Spread the word: Share the facts to help bust myths and encourage more people to register.