Cancer happens. Surviving cancer also happens. And with survival comes a new appreciation for old opportunities – like giving blood. Over the years we’ve had many of our blood donors sidetracked by a cancer diagnosis. But thanks to a change in guidelines, getting back into the routine of giving blood can happen sooner than you think.
Blood donor eligibility guidelines, specifically those related to solid tumor cancers and melanoma, changed in 2009. Survivors with solid tumor cancers, including breast cancer, are now eligible to give blood only two years after treatment, rather than the old five-year deferral. Melanoma survivors are no longer permanently deferred.
If you are one of hundreds of cancer survivors wanting to give blood again, contact Carter BloodCare’s Donor Notification Department to begin “re-entry” into the donor pool. You will be asked to fill out a Donor History Record Review, which will be forwarded to Medical Services for M.D. approval. Once our M.D.s give you a “thumbs up,” you’re ready to give again.
If you have been indefinitely deferred because of melanoma or a solid tumor cancer, including breast cancer, and would like more information about your eligibility, call Donor Notification at 1-888-480-8200. And if you are a blood donor who has survived a cancer diagnosis, let us know about it. Your story may give someone else the courage they need to give for the first time.
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