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The Blood Matters Blog ·

Can Cancer Survivors Donate Blood?

Those who have fought cancer understand the importance of a blood donor, but the rules around whether they can donate themselves can be complicated and dependent on the type of cancer, how long since they've been cancer-free, and more.

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Illustration about cancer and blood donation eligibility

Few acts of generosity have the ability to make an impact as direct, immediate and lifegiving as blood donation.

More than a quarter of America's blood supply is used by cancer patients, according to the Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies, so whether you have battled cancer or know someone who has, you know just how true that statement is. That truth often leads cancer survivors wondering whether they can save lives themselves through blood donation.

The answer isn't straightforward, as eligibility depends on several factors, so let's dive into the rules around blood donation for those who've had cancer.

Can Cancer Survivors Donate Blood?

Before we go any further, let's lead with some good news: many cancer survivors can donate blood! A person with a history of cancer can give blood if:

  • the cancer and any potential metastases have been successfully treated
  • there has been no recurrence. In the event of a reoccurence, the deferral period restarts
  • the donation occurs after the deferral period associated with the donor's cancer history

Can You Donate Blood If You Have Cancer?

For those currently battling cancer currently, donating blood is not allowed. This restriction exists because cancer treatments like chemotherapy can weaken the immune system and open up potential risk of cancerous cell transmission.

Are Some Cancer Survivors Unable to Donate?

Yes, unfortunately prospective donors who have had any of the following cancers are unable to give blood:

Essential Thrombocythemia, Hodgkin or Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, Leukemia, Lymphoma, Lymphomatoid Papulosis Type C, Lymphosarcoma, Merkel Cell Carcinoma, Mesothelioma, Multiple Myeloma, Sarcomatoid Carcinoma, Solitary Myeloma, Spindle Cell Carcinoma

Why Are There Blood Donation Restrictions for Cancer Survivors?

The restrictions for cancer survivors are in place to ensure the safety of both the donor and the recipient. Our Blood Institute phlebotomists follow strict guidelines to minimize any health risks, such as the potential transmission of cancer cells or complications from recent treatments.

Types of Cancer with 1-Year Deferral Window

Donors with the following cancer history must wait at least one year from successful treatment before giving blood at OBI.

  • Anal
  • Bladder
  • Bone
  • Brain
  • Breast
  • Cervical
  • Colon
  • Gastrointestinal
  • Kidney
  • Laryngeal
  • Liposarcoma
  • Liver
  • Lung
  • Neuroblastoma
  • Ovarian
  • Pancreatic
  • Parotid
  • Prostate
  • Retinoblastoma
  • Sarcoma
  • Squamous Cell (Non-skin)
  • Testicular
  • Thyroid
  • Uterine

Types of Cancer with Deferral Windows Over 1 Year

Donors with cervical dysplasia, also known as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), do not require a deferral window and can donate provided they meet all other eligibility criteria.

MORE: Have more questions about your ability to donate? Visit our eligibility guide below.

Can I Donate?

Donors with a history of the following cancers can give blood, provided the cancer is removed and the site is healed, without a deferral. A deferral is required, however, if the cancer is not removed and/or the site of removal has not yet healed:

  • Basal Cell
  • Bowens Disease
  • Squamous Cell (Skin)

Donors with a history of the following cancers require a 3-year deferral window, provided there was no metastasis. If metastatis did occur, a permanent deferral is required:

  • Melanoma
  • Ocular Melanoma

Donors with a history of an unknown skin cancer require a 10-year deferral.

Still wondering if you can donate? Call 888-308-3924 and one of our amazing donor care representatives will assist you.

Julie Gimmel, Blood Recipient

In 1998, Julie Gimmel was diagnosed with breast cancer along with hundreds of thousands of women in the U.S. alone. Today, she is a two-time cancer survivor with more than 20 years of service as a recruiter for Our Blood Institute.

"If you've never donated, go one time. And if it's the worst thing you've ever done, don't do it again. But you've just saved lives." — Julie Gimmel

Schedule Your Donation

Want to Help Cancer Patients? Give Platelets.

While donating whole blood is critically important, platelet donation is just as vital — especially for cancer patients. Why? Because some types of chemotherapy can damage bone marrow and reduce red blood cell and platelet production. As a result, cancer patients are often reliant on platelet transfusions, with 46% of platelet transfusion recipients in the U.S. having a type of cancer that affects the blood, bone marrow and/or lymph nodes, according to the AABB.

By donating platelets, you can provide direct support to those fighting cancer and undergoing aggressive treatments. Your donation can be a lifeline.

Give Platelets