More than 7,300 people are diagnosed with blood cancer annually in South Africa, while close to 5,000 die from the disease each year, as health advocates warn that low awareness and delayed diagnosis continue to cost lives.
It is revealed that the disease affects more than 21,000 people currently living with blood cancer in South Africa, with health advocates warning that late diagnosis remains a major challenge due to low awareness of early symptoms.
DKMS Africa, a non-profit organisation focused on building stem cell donor registries, says many patients still struggle to access life-saving treatment due to a shortage of matched donors, particularly in underrepresented communities.
“Blood cancer is often misunderstood and diagnosed too late because its symptoms are easily dismissed,” the organisation said.
“This delay can significantly affect treatment outcomes.”
DKMS Africa said the disease develops in the blood, bone marrow or lymphatic system, unlike solid tumours that can be surgically removed. It often requires intensive treatment such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy or a stem cell transplant.
The organisation also highlighted the impact on children, noting that blood cancer is the most common cancer among South Africans under 19 years old, with more than 700 children diagnosed annually and over 300 deaths recorded each year.
Experts warn that symptoms such as persistent fatigue, unexplained bruising, recurrent infections, night sweats and swollen lymph nodes are frequently overlooked or mistaken for minor illness.
“Patients often arrive at diagnosis after months of feeling unwell without understanding the seriousness of their symptoms,” said DKMS Africa’s Head of Community Engagement and Communication, Palesa Mokemele.
“Early testing through a simple blood test can make a critical difference in survival outcomes.”
For many patients, a stem cell transplant from a matched donor remains the only viable chance of survival. However, the organisation says access to compatible donors is not equal across population groups due to differences in Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) profiles, which are inherited.
“Finding a match depends on genetic compatibility, which means representation in donor registries is essential,” Mokemele said.
“Patients from underrepresented communities often have fewer chances of finding a match.”
The organisation currently has more than 173,000 registered donors and continues to encourage South Africans to join the registry. Donor registration involves a simple cheek swab process that can be done at home, with no cost or hospital visit required.
“Joining the donor registry takes only a few minutes, but it can mean a lifetime for someone else,” Mokemele said.
“We ask every South African to consider becoming a donor or sharing awareness, because every match can save a life.”