Cancer survivors no longer need to wait five years before they are able to donate blood and plasma.
Lifeblood announced on Tuesday that cancer survivors can now donate blood just 12 months after their last treatment.
They can now give back sooner, provided they have written confirmation from their doctor, they are in remission and meet all other health criteria.
Lifeblood Executive Director Cath Stone said the change would provide a greater opportunity for those who have had cancer to safely give blood and plasma while strengthening Australia's blood supply at a time of record-high demand.
"Cancer patients are the largest users of blood in Australia; they need 11,000 donations each week," Ms Stone said on Tuesday.
"Many cancer survivors have relied on blood transfusions and plasma medicines during chemotherapy or surgery, and we know many are eager to give back,."
The change comes as international large-scale studies have confirmed that cancer is not transmissible through blood transfusion and that it's not necessary to wait five years for donor or patient safety.
The change has been approved by Australia's health regulator, the Therapeutic Goods Administration.
On average, more than 5000 potential donors are asked to wait to donate every year due to a cancer diagnosis, a number that has been increasing annually. Donors are less likely to return after long wait-times.
All donors will continue to undergo standard health checks and complete a detailed questionnaire.
Only those who are well and meet all eligibility criteria will be able to donate.
Those who have had blood cancers will continue to be unable to donate.
