There are many advantages of using umbilical cord blood stem cells to tackle blood cancer and other diseases, such as being easily available and not needing to be an exact tissue match to the patient. However, the process and reasons for storing umbilical cord blood stem cells is a topic that is not widely spoken about.
We took to social media to ask people for their views and opinions on cord blood stem cell banking and whether they would consider storing their baby’s umbilical cord blood for future use.
The Results
Q1: Have you heard of cord blood stem cell banking?
We asked people on social media if they were familiar with cord blood stem cell banking, and 88% of respondents on Twitter said ‘yes’ compared with 13% responding ‘no’. However, on Facebook, just over half of people asked responded to say they have heard of cord blood stem cell banking, and 45% of people were not aware.
The number of people aware of cord blood banking is positive, however, the results show that more needs to be done in educating the general public, healthcare professionals and expectant parents on the options available to them when it comes to storing cord blood stem cells for health reasons.
Q2: Do you understand how cord blood stem cells can be used to treat blood cancer?
83% of respondents on Twitter either understand, or have a basic understanding, of the vast benefits to using cord blood stem cells to treat blood cancer, and 17% of people have no general understanding.
Facebook showed similar results, with 48% of people agreeing to have an understanding and 52% not understanding the benefits.
We’ve recently produced an informative blood cancer guide which includes facts and statistics to help increase people’s understanding of blood cancer and the various types of treatment available, which includes cord blood stem cell transplants.
Q3: If detailed information was provided, would you consider collecting and storing your baby’s umbilical cord blood stem cells for potential use in the future against blood cancer and other diseases?
86% of people asked on Twitter and 82% on Facebook said yes.
We’re pleased to see that a positive number of people are aware of cord blood stem cell banking, however, this poll highlights the need to do more to educate people of the benefits of storing cord blood for health reasons, particularly blood cancer.
However, with over 80% of people asked on Twitter and Facebook responding to say they would consider collecting and storing their baby’s umbilical cord blood stem cells if detailed information was provided, it is clear that information and guidance are becoming readily available to expectant parents.
To download a copy of our blood cancer information guide, click here, or to find out more information about cord blood stem cell banking and its many uses, click here.
