Major changes to blood and plasma donation rules announced for cancer survivors
The latest major rule change announced by Lifeblood comes after June's update that made it easier for gay and bisexual men to donate.
A survey by the Kirby Institute of UNSW found more than half (54 per cent) of the population believed having cancer made them ineligible to give blood for life, while another 28 per cent were unsure.
Lifeblood said this change, approved by the Therapeutic Good Association (TGA), will hopefully alter this misconception.
Lifeblood executive director Cath Stone said the change would provide a greater opportunity for those who have had cancer to be able to give back.
'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.'
According to Lifeblood, 34 per cent of donated blood currently goes to people with cancer and blood diseases.
Chemotherapy can deplete the body of platelets, an important clotting component in blood that helps prevent internal bleeding.
Red blood cell infusions are also needed while bone marrow recovers and any surgery to remove cancer may also result in the need for infusions.
A patient with acute leukaemia can use up to nine bags of platelets each month, with four donors needed to make each bag.
Cancer also has a big impact on the immune system, making patients vulnerable to infections and needing plasma infusions.
It is estimated more than 450 Australians will be diagnosed with blood cancer each day, with this number projected to double by 2035.
Research by Lifeblood has found the previous five-year wait for cancer patients to donate can be safely reduced, with large-scale international studies having confirmed cancer is not transmissible through blood transfusion.
'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,' Stone said.
'Supporting people with cancer is one of the greatest reasons to donate.'
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