Australian Red Cross Lifeblood has announced a new rule change that now allows individuals who have recovered from various types of cancer to donate blood and plasma one year after completing treatment. This updated guideline is part of a considerable reduction from the previous five-year waiting period.
Under the new rules, cancer survivors need written confirmation from their doctor that they are in remission and must satisfy all other health standards to be eligible. However, those who have had blood cancers remain unable to donate.
A survey conducted by the Kirby Institute at UNSW showed a strong misunderstanding around the eligibility of cancer survivors for blood donation. Results showed that 54 per cent of participants incorrectly believed that a cancer diagnosis would stop an individual from donating blood for life, with another 28 per cent uncertain about the rules.
Cath Stone, the Executive Director of Lifeblood shared, “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.”
This rule adjustment follows research by Lifeblood, which supports a reduced wait time from five years to just 12 months without compromising safety for the donor or the recipient. These studies highlight that cancer cannot be transmitted through blood transfusion. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has approved these revised donation rules.
The previous five-year restriction disproportionately impacted older individuals who are more likely to have been diagnosed with cancer and are also among the most willing and available donors. On average, more than 5,000 potential donors are deferred annually due to a cancer diagnosis, and the likelihood of these individuals returning to donate decreases with longer wait times.
Routine health screenings and detailed questionnaires will remain a prerequisite for all donors to make sure that only those in suitable health can donate.
“Cancer diagnoses usually increase with age, and our older donors often have more time to donate,” said Cath.
“Our current five-year wait-time disproportionately affects them being able to give back when it’s safe to do so.”
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