The myth that stem cell or bone marrow donation is painful is extremely common and worryingly, it often stops people from registering to donate.

In 2016, a YouGov survey found that a shocking 34% of young men who wouldnt sign up as a stem cell donor were just tooscared that the experience would be painful.

We urgently need that to change because it couldnt be further from the truth.

I would 100% recommend it to other people. Its comfortable, painless and so worthwhile.Zachary, stem cell donor

It was painless and thats coming from someone with a fear of needles! I remember being amazed at how simple it was.Sean, stem cell donor

90% of people now donate directly from their bloodstream, in a procedure known as peripheral blood stem cell donation (PBSC).

Youll receive a series of four hormone injections to make your stem cells multiply into the bloodstream. Then youll head to a clinic, where the stem cells will be extracted from one arm, and your blood returned to the other.

And thats it. Some people report flu-like symptoms from the hormone injections, but these are usually mild and vanish within a few days.

Ive felt worse after a few bruising encounters on the football pitch. Within a week of the donation, I was back on my feet and feeling much better; all in all, its a very small price to pay for what could be achieved.Liam, bone marrow donor

Some people have asked me if it was painful or difficult. It was actually quite simple and nothing compared to what the recipient is going through at the same time.Andrew, stem cell and bone marrow donor

Just 10% of people are asked to donate from the bone marrow itself.

This is the procedure that lies at the root of the bone marrow donation is painful myth but in reality, it takes place under general anaesthetic, so you wont feel any pain while its happening.

Afterwards, youll probably feel a bit tired and bruised, and we recommend that you take a short break from work to recover. But thats all and it makes a lifesaving difference.

Tackling the myth that stem cell or bone marrow donation is painful is one of our biggest priorities.

Thats why we often ask our donors to share their stories, to bust the myths and show the world what donation is really like.

For a wide variety of donation experiences, just check out the Anthony Nolan Facebook page we usually add one or two new stories every week!

If you're aged 16-30, sign up to our lifesaving register by clicking on the link below:

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Is donating bone marrow painful? | Anthony Nolan