International Journal of Health Sciences

Case Study: Radiation Therapy Program Works to Educate about Disparity of Marrow Donations
Megan Trad

Abstract
Introduction: The major tool in the treatment of many blood related disorders is bone marrow transplantation. Finding a matching donor can be a daunting task and is significantly more difficult if you are an ethnic minority because of the lack of potential donors. An estimated 7,500 Americans are searching the national registry at any given time, while only 2% of the population is registered as a potential donor. The statistics are even more challenging for minorities.
Methodology: This case study investigates the outcomes of an educational community project that connected students across college campuses throughout one state. The purpose of the project was to mobilize radiation therapy students as part of a marrow donor outreach designed to educate college students and recruit registrants within south Texas. Results: A total of 8,098 new marrow donors were recruited since the fall of 2012.
Conclusion: As radiation therapists, we touch the lives of many patients each day who are currently undergoing treatment for cancer. As cancer experts, we hold the knowledge to impact exponentially more through education and outreach. It is our responsibility as the health care professionals to disperse this knowledge to others and work in all aspects of cancer research including, prevention, screening, detection.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/ijhs.v3n2a5