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 upd ated 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. “We are pleased to update our donor eligibility requirements,” Williams said in the release. “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.” Patients diagnosed with hematologic cancers that affect blood cells, bone marrow, or the lymphatic system will remain permanently ineligible to donate out of an abundance of caution. The blood center says some cancer-related medications may still prevent donation, and donors must meet all additional health requirements. The release says Kentucky Blood Center is licensed by the FDA, which oversees blood collection nationwide. The agency allows individual donor centers to determine eligibility for donors following cancer treatment. Officials say the updated requirements are now in effect. Kentucky Blood Center encourages anyone interested in donating to review eligibility guidelines in advance. The organization says it needs about 400 donors each day to supply lifesaving blood products to more than 70 hospitals across Kentucky. One donation can help save up to three lives. Kentucky Blood Center operates eight donor centers in six cities — Lexington, Louisville, Corbin, Frankfort, Pikeville, and Somerset — and hosts more than 2,000 mobile blood drives each year in more than 90 counties. Donors must be at least 17 years old (16 with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health, and present a photo ID. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. To schedule an appointment, donors can visit kybloodcenter.org or call 800-775-2522. Categories: Featured, Local News, News Tags: Blood donation, cancer survivors donate blood, donor eligibility update, kentucky blood center, Kentucky Hospitals, lifesaving blood ...read more read less