Cancer survivors can now donate blood sooner

THE Australian Red Cross Lifeblood has announced a change in donation rules, allowing more people to give blood and plasma.

Under the new guidelines, people who have fully recovered from cancer will be able to donate blood and plasma in Australia 12 months after finishing treatment.

To be eligible, once finishing treatment, donors will need to have written confirmation from their doctor stating they are in remission and meet other criteria.

Lifeblood Executive Director Cath Stone said the change gives greater opportunity for people who have had cancer to give blood, while strengthening Australia’s supply.

“Cancer patients are the largest users of blood in Australia; they need 11,000 donations each week.

“Many cancer survivors have relied on blood transfusions and plasma medicines during chemotherapy or surgery, and we know many are eager to give back.”

Ms Stone said many Australians don’t understand the role blood donation has in supporting people with cancer.

“As we see the number of cancer diagnoses increasing, we’re also seeing an increase in the demand for blood to help cancer patients through their treatment.

“Supporting people with cancer is one of the greatest reasons to donate.”

Previously cancer patients were required to wait five years before being able to donate, but international research has shown it is not necessary for donor or patient safety.

About 5,000 potential donors are asked to wait each year to due a cancer diagnosis, with many donors less likely to return after long wait times.

All donors will continue to undergo health checks and complete a questionnaire, people with blood cancers are still unable to donate.

Other recent changes to blood donation rules have also made it possible for gay, bisexual men, transgender people, sex workers and people on pre-exposure prophylaxis to donate.

For more information and the full criteria, head to lifeblood.com.au