On May 12, 2008, the American Red Cross Blood Services changed the deferral criteria for blood donors with a history of non-blood cancers such as breast, lung, brain, colon and prostate cancers from a 5-year deferral to a 12-month deferral after their last treatment for cancer.

After careful consideration, the Red Cross now believes that it is acceptable for cancer survivors to donate blood 12 months after their last treatment is completed if they meet all other eligibility criteria.

If you have not come in to donate blood to the Red Cross and you are a cancer survivor that meets all eligibility criteria, you may be able to donate blood after May 12, 2008.

If you are currently in the Red Cross database and you have been deferred due to a history of cancer, please call the American Red Cross at 1-800-462-9400, ext.2380 and they will process your request to be considered as a blood donor. Due to the regulatory environment in blood services, it is necessary to adjust donor records to reflect the change.

If you have further questions, please call the American Red Cross at 1-800-462-9400 ext. 2210.

Medical Update