Cancerbackup: Q-595

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Alison

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I have cancer and have become anaemic. My doctor has suggested a blood transfusion but I have heard that people have developed HIV and other infections after blood transfusions. What should I do?

Although there have been reports of people getting infections, including HIV, after blood transfusion these happened some years ago, before adequate testing was available. These days, with careful and thorough screening of all blood the risk of infection is negligible. So it is safe for you to go ahead with the recommended transfusion.


Content last reviewed: 27 January 2005
Page last modified: 27 January 2005

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