People who have fully recovered from many cancers can now donate blood and plasma in Australia 12 months after finishing treatment under a rule change announced by Australian Red Cross Lifeblood. Those who have had cancer will no longer have to wait five years to donate, provided they have written confirmation from their doctor that they are in remission and meet all other health criteria. Those who have had blood cancers will continue to be unable to donate. Local Lifeblood spokesperson Shae Burns said this is a major shift from the previous five year wait and opens the door for people from Wangaratta and beyond to be able to give back to the community after their own cancer journey. "They will need written confirmation from their doctor stating they are in remission and finished treatment one year ago. "The Wangaratta Lifeblood team is looking forward to welcoming more donors under this change. "If you have recovered from cancer and want to donate, please talk to your doctor and visit lifeblood.com.au or call 13 14 95 to make an appointment.” A recent survey by the Kirby Institute, UNSW revealed that over half (54 per cent) of the population believed having cancer made people ineligible to give blood for life. Another 28 per cent of the population were unsure, highlighting a large misconception that could be hindering donations. Lifeblood executive director Cath Stone said the change would provide a greater opportunity for those who have had cancer to safely give blood and plasma while strengthening Australia’s blood supply at a time of record-high demand. “Cancer patients are the largest users of blood in Australia; they need 11,000 donations each week," she said. "Many cancer survivors have relied on blood transfusions and plasma medicines during chemotherapy or surgery, and we know many are eager to give back." Lifeblood research found that the current five-year wait can be safely reduced to 12 months, with international evidence showing it’s not necessary for donor or patient safety. Large-scale studies have confirmed that cancer is not transmissible through blood transfusion. As with all changes to blood donation rules, this change has been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). On average, more than 5000 potential donors are asked to wait to donate every year due to a cancer diagnosis, a number that has been increasing every year. In Wangaratta, another 25 donors are needed in the next week to meet patient demand, calling for O- donors in particular. To find out about donating blood, plasma, or platelets, call 13 14 95 or visit lifeblood.com.au.
