Friday is Daffodil Day - the symbol of hope for cancer patients | Diary note

It’s an opportunity for people across the New England and North West regions to contribute to a brighter, cancer-free future.

Across NSW, more than 650 sites will be in full swing, staffed by more than 4,500 volunteers (like Margaret Rock (pictured) herself a cancer survivor) – who will be encouraging people to buy merchandise to show support for someone they know.

This year marks 31 years of Daffodil Day in Australia.

As one of the largest national fundraising events in the Southern Hemisphere, this year Cancer Council hopes to raise $2.1m in NSW alone.

It’s money that goes towards life-saving cancer research, prevention programs, support services and advocacy programs.

Cancer is a leading cause of death in Australia.

Everyone knows someone who has been affected by cancer, with 1 in 2 Australians predicted to be diagnosed by age 85.

In 2017 there are 48,458 projected new cases of cancer and 15,719 cancer deaths expected in NSW.*

The most commonly diagnosed cancer (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer) is prostate cancer, followed by breast, bowel cancer, melanoma and lung cancer. 

While lung cancer is the fifth most common type of cancer overall, it is the leading cause of cancer death in Australians.

The good news is survival rates are improving. 

More than 66 per cent of people diagnosed with cancer in Australia will survive more than five years after diagnosis. 

Almost nine out of 10 children with cancer are effectively treated and go on to live normal lives.

There are things we can all do to prevent cancer; exercise more, eat more healthy foods, drink less alcohol and protect our skin from the effects of the sun.

It’s just a matter of doing it.  

As for Daffodil Day – locally there’s a number of locations where you can buy the merchandise and support the great work of the Cancer Council. 

Or to find out where you can purchase a pin visit https://www.daffodilday.com.au or call 1300 65 65 85.    

Cancer Institute NSW*