Donate blood to support cancer patients

Every day, Australians living with cancer rely on blood and plasma donations to get through treatment. Chemotherapy, surgery, and other cancer therapies can leave patients in urgent need of transfusions.

Blood donation is one of the most compassionate gifts you can give another person.

Why blood donation matters

Cancer treatments can lead to anaemia, low platelets, or a weakened immune system (see page 33, Blood-related side effects, of our Understanding Chemotherapy Guide).

Blood and plasma donations help patients recover, stay strong, and continue treatment.

Just one donation can support multiple patients. It's simple, safe, and one of the most direct ways to make an impact.

Plasma: a lifeline for cancer patients

Plasma carries vital proteins that help control bleeding and fight infection.

What's the difference between donating blood and donating plasma?

• Whole blood donation includes red cells, white cells, platelets, and plasma. It’s commonly used in surgeries and trauma care.
• Plasma donation returns red blood cells to your body and collects just the plasma. Plasma helps with clotting, immunity, and healing – and cancer patients often need it.

Cancer patients may need plasma after surgery or during treatment when their immune system is compromised.

You can donate plasma every 2-3 weeks, more frequently than whole blood, which is every 12 weeks, making it an incredibly powerful way to help.

How you can change someone’s life

You may be eligible to donate if you:

• Are in good health
• Are aged 18-75
• Meet weight and travel criteria
• Haven't recently had certain procedures or infections

Visit Australian Red Cross Lifeblood to check your eligibility or book a donation. Did you know more people can now give plasma?

More people can now donate plasma

With the introduction of updated guidelines, plasma donation is now open to a broader and more diverse community, including:

• Gay and bisexual men
• More transgender people
• People taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)

More plasma is needed in Australia than all other donation types combined, and demand is growing.

Your impact

When you give blood or plasma:

• You support cancer patients through some of their toughest days
• You may help accident victims, new mothers, or people with chronic illnesses too
• You join a powerful network of Australians committed to kindness and action

Ready to make a difference?

Giving just takes an hour, and the impact can last a lifetime.

Sit down, roll up your sleeve, and stand up to cancer with us.