LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — More cancer patients are now eligible to donate blood under updated guidelines from the Kentucky Blood Center.
According to a release, the organization says it has lifted a longtime deferral that prevented many cancer patients from donating blood. Under the updated eligibility requirements, many donors who have completed treatment for certain cancers — including organ cancers and melanoma — may now be eligible to donate one year after finishing treatment.
The change follows guidance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and a review by Kentucky Blood Center’s medical leadership. According to the release, Medical Director Dennis Williams determined there is no longer a need for lengthy deferrals for many cancer survivors…