Locals who have battled cancer will now be able to donate blood and plasma a year after finishing treatment.
Lifeblood has announced changes to rules around cancer patients, cutting the period they must wait to donate from five years to one.
There are 50 blood donation spots open at the Geelong Donor Centre before the end of the month.
Lifeblood Executive Director Cath Stone said the decisions were made on the back of research into its safety.
“Cancer patients are the largest users of blood in Australia; they need 11,000 donations each week,” she said.
“Many cancer survivors have relied on blood transfusions and plasma medicines during chemotherapy or surgery, and we know many are eager to give back.
“Cancer diagnoses usually increase with age and our older donors often have more time to donate.
“Our current five-year wait-time disproportionately affects them being able to give back when it’s safe to do so.”
