LEXINGTON, Ky. – Many cancer patients who previously could not give blood are now eligible to donate under Kentucky Blood Center’s updated blood donor eligibility requirements.

In accordance with U.S. Food and Drug Administration guidelines, and with insight from extensive collection, validation and analysis, KBC Medical Director Dr. Dennis Willliams has determined there is no further need for a lengthy deferral for donors who have completed treatment for certain cancers, including organ cancers and melanoma. Many donors who were previously issued longtime deferrals from a cancer diagnosis will now be eligible to donate blood one year after completing treatment for cancer.

Donors diagnosed with hematologic cancers that affect the blood cells, bone marrow or the lymphatic system will remain permanently ineligible to give blood out an abundance of caution. Certain medications for cancer treatments may still prohibit a donor from donating, and additional health requirements must be met.

“We are pleased to update our donor eligibility requirements,” Williams said. “There is no evidence that cancers are transmitted by blood transfusion. While there are certain cancers and treatments that will still impact donation, we are excited to offer a wider opportunity for those who wish to give blood to do so.”

Kentucky Blood Center is licensed by the FDA, which has federal oversight of the collection and use of all blood products in the U.S. The FDA leaves the eligibility of donors after cancer treatment up to the discretion of the donor center’s medical director.

The updated donor eligibility requirements are now in effect at KBC. There are many factors that impact a person’s ability to donate blood, and KBC encourages those interested in donating to review requirements before attempting to give blood. KBC’s current medication deferral list can be accessed by clicking here.

KBC needs 400 donors a day to provide lifesaving blood products to more than 70 hospitals in Kentucky. One donation with KBC can save up to three lives.

KBC has eight donor centers in six cities across Kentucky (Lexington, Louisville, Corbin, Frankfort, Pikeville and Somerset) and hosts more than 2,00 mobile drives a year in more than 90 counties. Most donor centers are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Specific hours of operation are below. Mobile drives can be found at my.kybloodcenter.org/donor/schedules/county.

Blood donors must be at least 17 years old (16 with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health, show a photo I.D. and meet additional requirements. Appointments are preferred but walk-ins are welcome. To schedule an appointment, donors are encouraged to visit kybloodcenter.org or call 800.775.2522.