Can I donate blood if I had cancer?
What this means
- Many solid-tumor survivors can donate after a cancer-free waiting period, often one to several years.
- Some skin cancers that were fully removed may have little or no wait.
- Leukemia, lymphoma, and similar blood cancers generally mean permanent deferral.
What to do next
Have your diagnosis, treatment, and dates ready, then call the center.
When to call the center: Always call before scheduling to confirm timing for your specific history.
If you need to wait
Varies widely by cancer type, often one to several years cancer-free.
Exact timing is confirmed by the center. Set a reminder so you do not have to track it.
Set a return reminderWhy this rule exists
Waiting periods give time to confirm recovery, and blood cancers affect the blood itself.
This is general educational guidance, not a final eligibility decision. Donation centers make final eligibility decisions during confidential screening. Rules may vary by center, donation type, location, and current policy.
Were you already turned away for this reason? See the comeback plan
Find a place to donate
Search by city, ZIP, state, or center name, or use your location to see the closest centers.
Related questions
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Read the full pledgeSources and review
The guidance on this page reflects published criteria from these organizations. Eligibility and procedures vary by center and country, so confirm specifics with your donation center.
- American Red Cross
- AABB (Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies)
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Blood Donation
- Canadian Blood Services
- Last reviewed:
- Next review due:
- Reviewed by:
- Reviewed against American Red Cross, AABB, and U.S. FDA donor guidance
- Confidence:
- High confidence