Nearly two thirds of Britons would never donate their stem cells even if a loved one needed a transplant, new research suggests.
Two in five claim rumours of stem cell and bone marrow donations being painful put them off, with a third of young adults thinking it is done without any anesthesia, a survey found.
Yet, the blood-cancer charity Anthony Nolan insists the process is nowhere near as uncomfortable as people think.
Rebecca Pritchard, head of register development at the organisation, said: ‘Hollywood films such as Will Smith’s Seven Pounds – which portrayed a fictionalised and shocking process to a global audience – have left a lasting impact on the public.
‘We’re trying to dispel this misconception and see if more young people would be willing to give a little in order to potentially save a life.’
In the film, Smith can be seen writhing in pain while donating stem cells for an ill young man without pain relief.
Expert claims Will Smith’s scene in the film Seven Pounds puts people off donating
He can be seen writhing in people while donating stem cells with any pain relief
Some 61% would never donate
Out of a survey of 2,000 people, 61 per cent said they could never be encouraged to donate.
Just 16 per cent have donated in the past, which is nearly five times less than the number that have given blood.
Despite the public’s fears, 90 per cent of stem cells are collected from the bloodstream, with the remainder involving they be taken from bone marrow.
Yet, just 10 per cent of people are aware of this, with many assuming the procedure is agonising and tiring.
Of those who have donated stem cells to someone with blood cancer or another disorder, three quarters said it was less painful than they thought or not at all.
‘Lots of misconceptions that stop people saving a life’
Ms Pritchard, who is speaking out as part of the ‘Be A Lifesaver’ campaign to encourage young men to join the register, said: ‘There are lots of misconceptions that stop or delay people from registering to save a life – and that’s something we’re tackling head on.
‘Educating people about what it means to be a donor is a key part of our role in growing the Anthony Nolan register.
‘We’re currently only able to find the best possible match for 69 per cent of patients who need a transplant so we need more people, especially young men, to join so we can find the best match for everyone.
‘Joining the register is a simple process. If you’re aged 16-30 and in good health you can join the register online and we’ll send you a cheek swab in the post.’
Charity Anthony Nolan insists the process is nowhere near as painful as people think (stock)
Why should you donate stem cells?
Stem cells can grow into any other cell type in the body, which means they can treat a wide range of blood cancers and disorders.
For some people, a stem cell transplant, which is also known as a bone marrow transplant, is the only hope of survival, according to the NHS.
Between 65 and 75 per cent of those in need are unable to find a sibling match and therefore rely on the generosity of strangers to donate such cells.