Public knowledge of stem cells "remains low"
8 Oct 2014
For patients with leukaemia, and other blood conditions, stem cell transplants can mean the difference between life and death.
In the 18 years since the first cord blood transplants were performed in the UK, public knowledge of stem cell transplants remains low.
A YouGov study of over 4,000 people found that nearly a third (32%) of Britons did not know you can store umbilical cord blood and tissue, while the vast majority (85%) agreed there is a lack of awareness.
The YouGov study, commissioned by Smart Cells, found that this resulted in a major shortage of stem cells in the UK; only 9% of patients stored cord blood when they gave birth; 2% privately and 6% donated to the NHS.
Watch the short video above to find out more.