Why Bone Marrow Donors Are Scarce in India? Misconceptions Block Lifesaving Matches for Cancer Patients

In India, thousands of patients battling life-threatening blood disorders like leukemia, lymphoma, thalassemia, and aplastic anemia are waiting for a second chance at life. For many, that hope lies in finding a compatible bone marrow donor. Yet, despite medical advancements and growing awareness, donor registries in the country remain critically small. The biggest barrier? Not science, but widespread misconceptions. Bone marrow donation is often misunderstood as a painful and risky procedure. This belief alone discourages many potential donors. In reality, modern medicine has transformed the process. “Bone marrow donation is often assumed to be a complex and painful surgical process. In practice, many donations today are carried out through

peripheral blood stem cell collection, which is similar to a blood donation procedure,” said Dr. Rahul Bhargava, Principal Director and Chief - Hematology, Hemato-Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant, Fortis Memorial Research Institute “In cases where bone marrow is collected directly, it is done under anesthesia with careful monitoring, and recovery is usually short. The risk of lasting harm to the donor remains low, as the body restores the donated cells over time,” he added.

What is the best way to donate bone marrow?

According to Dr. Bhargava, most donations are done through peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) collection - a method similar to donating blood or platelets. It is non-surgical, relatively quick, and involves minimal discomfort. Even in cases where bone marrow is directly extracted, the procedure is conducted under anesthesia with strict medical supervision. Donors typically recover within a few days, and the body naturally replenishes the donated cells over time. “The risk of lasting harm to the donor remains low, as the body restores the donated cells over time,” said Dr. Bhargava.Also read: 8-Hour Prostate Cancer Surgery, Back on His Feet Next Day - A Breakthrough in Modern Cancer Care

Misconceptions around bone marrow donation

Another common fear is that donating bone marrow can weaken the immune system or cause lasting health issues. However, medical evidence consistently shows that donors do not suffer from long-term immune deficiency. In fact, donors undergo thorough health screenings before the procedure and receive follow-up care afterward, ensuring their safety at every step. “Donors are screened in advance to ensure suitability, and follow-up care is provided to monitor recovery. The process is designed to prioritise donor safety while enabling treatment for the recipient,” said Dr. Bhargava.

Most people believe only family members can donate

A major myth that further limits donor participation is the belief that only family members can donate. While relatives are often the first option, many patients rely on unrelated donors for a match. Bone marrow compatibility depends on specific genetic markers, and in a diverse country like India, finding a suitable match is particularly challenging. This makes a large and diverse donor registry absolutely essential. Eligibility concerns also prevent people from stepping forward. Many assume they are too old, too weak, or medically unfit to donate. In truth, most healthy individuals within a certain age group can register as potential donors. Simple health checks determine eligibility, and a large number of people who hesitate may actually qualify.

Misconceptions make it difficult for needy patients

The consequences of this hesitation are severe. Delays in finding a matching donor can cost precious time, especially for patients with aggressive cancers where the disease can progress rapidly. On the other hand, timely bone marrow transplants have been proven to significantly improve survival rates and quality of life. “Bone marrow donation remains a medically regulated process with established safeguards. Greater awareness can address hesitation and expand the donor pool, improving access to treatment for patients who depend on a match for survival,” Dr. Bhargava reiterated. Every new donor added to the registry increases the chances of saving a life. In a country with such vast genetic diversity, even one registration can make a difference between life and death for someone, somewhere. The truth is simple: bone marrow donation is safe, impactful, and potentially life-saving. Breaking the myths could be the key to giving countless patients the future they deserve.