675 patients safely received organs from cancer sufferers in just five years
The figures dispel the myth that people with a history of cancer cannot donate organs
HUNDREDS of people have safely received an organ donated by someone with a history of cancer, figures show.
There were 272 donors in the past five years who had suffered from the disease, allowing 675 patients to receive transplants.
The figures, released by NHS Blood and Transplant, dispel the myth that people with cancer cannot donate organs.
Guidance from the Advisory Committee on the Safety of Blood, Tissues and Organs says: “Risks of cancer transmission must be balanced against the risks of dying without transplantation.”
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The body’s Prof John Forsythe said: “Organs from deceased donors with some current and past cancers may be safely used.
“Surgeons balance the risk against the risk of a patient dying waiting for a transplant. We work hard to minimise risks.”
He added: “We are keen that everyone, regardless of health status, registers a decision to donate.”
Surgeons tell patients if they are receiving a donated organ that carries a higher risk of infection.
The health service is facing a crisis trying to recruit more eye donors.
NHSBT needs around 70 cornea donations a week to meet the demand for sight-saving transplants.
But one in ten people on the NHS Organ Donor Register do not want to donate their eyes.