Most cancer survivors can now donate blood and plasma in Australia sooner, under a new Australian Red Cross guideline.
Previously, survivors had to wait five years to donate.
Now, they can donate one year after the end of their treatment as long as they have “written confirmation from their doctor” that they are in remission.
The change excludes those who had blood cancers.
Blood donation rules
A survey by University of NSW researchers showed 54% of Australians believed having cancer made people permanently ineligible to donate blood.
More than a third of blood donations go to people with cancers and blood diseases.
Lifeblood Executive Director Cath Stone said: “Many cancer survivors have relied on blood transfusions and plasma medicines… and we know many are eager to give back.”
According to Lifeblood, people diagnosed with some skin cancers may be eligible to donate directly after recovering from treatment.
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Survivors of cancers involving the blood system, including leukaemia, lymphoma, and myeloma, are still unable to donate.
All donors must complete standard health checks and a questionnaire. They can only donate if they’re healthy and meet eligibility criteria.
Research
Lifeblood said research had shown the current waiting period “can be safely reduced” to one year.
Studies have confirmed cancer cannot be transmitted through blood transfusions.
The change has also been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration, the government authority regulating medicines, medical devices and biological products, including blood.
Stone said: “Cancer diagnoses usually increase with age and our older donors often have more time to donate. [The] five-year wait-time disproportionately affects them being able to give back when it’s safe to do so.”
