India, March 11 -- Every year more than 20,000 people in Germany die from blood cancer. Blood cancer is actually the most common type of cancer in children. Donations of stem cells from bone marrow or blood increase the chance of survival for people suffering from leukemia or other forms of blood cancer. However, years can pass between the registration of those wishing to donate and their actual donation. Many volunteers are hesitant when it comes to actually having the stem cells removed. An international team of researchers has now proven that renewed contact between registration and donation significantly increases the availability of donors. This effect is strongest when a blood sample is also requested.

The results have been publish...