Donating stem cells is one of the easiest ways to help someone with blood cancer. Not in a vague, one day kind of way. This is real. Someone out there is already waiting for a match.
Every year, thousands of Australians hear the words “you have blood cancer.” It might be chronic myeloid leukaemia. It could be Hodgkin lymphoma. For many people, a stem cell transplant is their only option. When that happens, there’s no backup plan. Just the hope that someone like you will say yes.
If you’re aged 18 to 35 and in good health, you could be that person. Signing up takes just a few minutes online. After that, it’s a couple of cheek swabs. That’s it.
Here’s how it works and why it matters.
What is a stem cell transplant?
A stem cell transplant replaces unhealthy blood-forming cells with healthy ones from a donor. It helps treat blood cancers and other serious conditions like leukaemia, lymphoma, and some types of anaemia.
Sometimes doctors can use a person’s own stem cells. But often they can’t. That’s when they look for a matching donor.
That’s where you come in.
Why Australia needs more donors
Right now, more than 80 percent of the stem cells used in Australian transplants come from overseas. That’s because we don’t have enough local donors.
If more Australians sign up, especially people from all cultural backgrounds, patients here will find matches faster. That leads to quicker treatment, fewer complications, and better recovery chances.
How to register as a stem cell donor
Signing up is quick and straightforward.
Step 1. Check if you’re eligible
You need to be aged 18 to 35, in good general health, and have or be eligible for a green or blue Medicare card.
Step 2. Register online
Go to Stem Cell Donors Australia and fill out the online form. It only takes a few minutes.
Step 3. Do the cheek swabs
Once you sign up, a kit with cheek swabs arrives in the mail. Just follow the instructions, swab both cheeks, and post it back in the prepaid envelope. Don’t forget. The sooner it’s returned, the sooner you’re helping someone.
Step 4. Stay on the registry
Once your sample’s in, you’ll stay on the registry until you turn 60. If you’re a match, the registry will get in touch and walk you through the donation process.
What happens if you’re a match?
Not everyone on the registry gets called. But if you do, you might be the only match for someone who needs help.
There are two ways to donate.
1. Peripheral blood stem cell donation
This is the most common method. It’s a bit like a long plasma donation. You’ll get injections for a few days to boost your stem cells. On the day, your blood goes into a machine that separates out the stem cells. The rest goes right back into your body. It takes about four to five hours, but that time could give someone a lifetime.
2. Bone marrow donation
This method’s used less often. It happens under general anaesthetic, so you’ll be asleep and won’t feel a thing. You might feel a little sore for a few days after, but most people bounce back quickly.
The medical team may have a preference but the donor always has the final say about the donation method.
Does stem cell donation hurt?
There are needles involved, really small ones. But it’s not as scary as it sounds.
With peripheral donation, you might feel tired or achy for a day or two. Bone marrow donation can make you a bit sore, but that usually passes quickly.
No matter which method you use, you’ll have a full team guiding and supporting you from start to finish.
Why your decision matters
Signing up might feel small, but it creates real change.
Even if you’re never called, you help grow the registry and give others a better chance at finding a match. And if you do donate, you could literally save someone’s life.
Ready to sign up?
If you’re 18 to 35, healthy, and willing to help someone you’ve probably never met, now’s the time.
Sign up online. Swab your cheeks. Post it back. That’s all it takes to offer someone a second chance at life.
Visit Stem Cell Donors Australia to get started.
Be a legend. Save a life.