East Asian and BAME people encouraged to join the stem cell registry

14 Mar 2022

#SwabForYvette campaign appeals to people of BAME descent to find donor for much-loved explorer – and others who need life-saving match

The #SwabForYvette campaign has been launched to encourage more people of BAME – and specifically East Asian – descent to join the stem cell registry.

Research shows there is a one in three chance of finding a perfect genetic match on the stem cell register if you’re from a minority ethnic background.

Terence Lovell, chief engagement and marketing officer at Anthony Nolan, said: “We must change the odds, which is why we’re calling on young people from east Asian backgrounds aged 16-30 to join the Anthony Nolan register.

“To be told there is no stem cell donor for you, because of your ethnicity, will have been devastating to hear. Every single person who signs up to the register has the potential to give hope to someone who is in desperate need of a life-saving stem cell transplant. Together, we can work towards a future where ethnicity does not influence who survives blood cancer.”

You can sign up for the Anthony Nolan register, or the British Bone Marrow Registry.