Daffodil season is upon us and Cancer Council SA hopes the international symbol of hope for people with cancer will Unite South Australia in the Fight to beat the disease.
 
If you think the one in two South Australians diagnosed with cancer by age 85 is one too many , then you can help by supporting Daffodil Day on Friday 27 August, 2010.

“This focussed day of hope gives all of us the opportunity to support those affected by cancer, while also working toward better outcomes for those who will be treated in years to come –even preventing some from being diagnosed,” says Professor Brenda Wilson, Chief Executive, Cancer Council SA.

“United we can increase awareness of cancer, its impact and risk factors.

“Up to half of all cancers can be prevented by decreasing the risks.  This means avoiding exposure to tobacco smoke, limiting alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy food intake and increasing exercise.

“South Australians can also take up the call for volunteers to assist in the sale of merchandise at Daffodil Day locations throughout SA, placing orders for fresh daffodils or by stocking a merchandise box for sales in their workplace, club or store.

“This year Daffodil Day seeks to raise more than $600,000 toward research, prevention and support initiatives in SA through the sale of fresh daffodils and Daffodil Day merchandise at outlets across the state and more than 70 volunteer managed sites in the metropolitan region alone.”

More than 3,400 South Australians die from cancer each year, more than double that are diagnosed annually and by this time tomorrow another 23 South Australians will be diagnosed with the disease.

For more information check www.daffodilday.com.au or call 1300 65 65 85.

Daffodil Day started 24 years ago in New South Wales, and this will be its 17th year nationally.
SA Statistics:
• 23 South Australians are diagnosed with cancer each day
• 8,592 new cases of cancer were diagnosed in SA in 2006 (136 more than in 2005)
• 3,436 deaths from cancer were recorded in SA in 2006 (134 fewer deaths than in 2005)
• Cancer costs the SA community almost $375m a year
• The most common cancers in SA men are lung, prostate and colorectal
• The most common cancers in SA women are breast, lung, colorectal
• Up to 50 per cent of all cancers can be prevented by maintaining a healthy lifestyle
• The survival rate for many common cancers has increased by more than 30 per cent in the past two decades