During what the American Red Cross are calling “Breast Cancer Awareness Month” this October, the group are encouraging eligible donors to give blood to support cancer patients and others needing blood products.

According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the U.S., with one in eight developing invasive breast cancer in their lifetime. Breast cancer patients may need blood products during chemotherapy, mastectomy surgery or treatment of complications.

Volunteer donors are the only source of blood products for those needing transfusions. Donors with all blood types are needed, especially those with types O negative, B negative, A negative and AB blood.

A blood drive is set for Oct. 16 at Canton-Potsdam Hospital, 50 Leroy St., from 10:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. Bloods drives in Canton will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at SUNY Canton Campus Center, 34 Cornell Dr. on Oct. 20, 21, 22. A blood drive is slated for Oct. 27 from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Gouverneur Veterans of Foreign Wars, 100 West Main St.

To make an appointment to donate blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App from app stores or text BLOODAPP to 90999 to receive a download link, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-733-2767.