Can cancer survivors be organ donors?

Megan Atcheson and Dr Andrew Robson educate us on organ donation, blood donation, and donating your body to science if you have a history of cancer.

Organ donation is a powerful, life-saving gift that can transform the lives of recipients. But for cancer survivors, the question of eligibility becomes more complex. While a history of cancer doesn’t automatically rule you out, several important factors determine whether you can donate organs or tissue.

The main concern is the potential risk of transmitting cancer to the recipient. Different cancers carry different levels of risk. For example, survivors of low-risk, localised cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma or certain thyroid cancers, may still be eligible 

to donate, especially after a sufficient remission period. However, if you had aggressive cancer or have metastatic cancer, you’re generally excluded due to the higher risk of recurrence and transmission.

August is Organ Donor Month!

To register as an organ donor, visit www.odf.org.za, or call their toll-free number – 0800 22 66 11. 

What does the law say in SA?

In SA, organ and tissue donation is regulated under the National Health Act No. 61 of 2003. The law permits any person over the age of 18 to register as an organ and tissue donor. However, final decisions are made by medical professionals at the time of death, in consultation with the potential donor’s medical records and next of kin.

When it comes to cancer survivors, the law does stipulate strict exclusion criteria, but medical guidelines, guided by the South African Transplant Society (SATS) and international best practices, dictate who is ultimately eligible. 

For example, patients in long-term remission from certain cancers (low-grade skin, thyroid, or early-stage cervical cancer) may be considered for organ donation after two to five years of remission, depending on cancer type, behaviour, and treatment history. 

Tissue donations (corneas, bone, tendons, skin) are more flexible. Even if you have a history of cancer that would otherwise exclude you from donation, you may be eligible for these forms of donation, particularly if the cancer was localised and non-vascular. 

Alternatively, aggressive, or metastatic cancers, or haematological malignancies like leukaemia or lymphoma, are generally contraindications for organ donation. Ultimately, every potential donor is assessed on a case-by-case basis to ensure recipient safety.

Registering as a donor in SA

Cancer survivors who wish to become donors can register their intent through the Organ Donor Foundation of South Africa. This registration is not legally binding but is used to guide your family and medical team at the time of death. Importantly, if you’re a cancer survivor, you should still register, even if you’re unsure of your eligibility. Medical teams will assess your case thoroughly when the time comes.

Can cancer survivors donate blood?

While the focus is on organ and tissue donation, it’s worth mentioning that blood donation in SA is allowed for cancer survivors who have been in complete remission for at least five years for most cancers, and 10 years for higher-risk cancers like leukaemia. If you meet these criteria, you may also be eligible to donate blood through the South African National Blood Service (SANBS).

Donating your body to science

If you’re passionate about helping others through research and education, another option is to donate your body to science. 

This is typically done through university medical schools, where donated bodies are used for anatomy training and medical research. In SA, this requires advance registration with an institution (University of Cape Town, University of the Witwatersrand, University of Pretoria, among others).

You’ll need to fill out consent forms, and your family must be informed and supportive of your decision. Note that cancer, depending on its extent, may or may not preclude body donation; each institution has its own guidelines.

Final thought

Even with a history of cancer, there are still meaningful ways to contribute. Whether through tissue donation, blood donation, or donating your body to science, you can continue to make a profound difference in the lives of others. 

Header image by Freepik