Changes have been made to the eligibility criteria for blood donors in Canada, particularly when it comes to cancer survivors.

According to Brett Lawrence of Canadian Blood Services, people recovering from leukemia or lymphoma can still benefit from a lifetime deferral.

However, for most other cancers, people can donate if they no longer have cancer and have received a year of treatment.

“It’s been in the last couple of years that (this change) has come into effect,” Lawrence said.

“This comes simply from researchers at Canadian Blood Services, along with new research that shows cancer survivors can now donate blood.”

Melody Zeller, a cancer survivor who has received blood transfusions, is delighted with this new eligibility.

“Everyone should get out there and find out if they can donate again, and do it as soon as possible,” she said.

To learn more and hear Zeller’s story, watch the video above.

– With files from CTV’s Maralee Caruso.