April is Canadian Cancer Society's Daffodil Month

Wear a Daffodil Pin to Show Support for People Living with Cancer

Daffodil Day is April 27

TORONTO, March 28, 2012 /CNW/ - Every three minutes, another Canadian will hear the words "you have cancer" for the first time, and the Canadian Cancer Society wants them to know that they are not alone.

During Daffodil Month, and especially on Daffodil Day (April 27), the Canadian Cancer Society is asking Canadians to join the fight against cancer by making a donation to support its work throughout Canada and to proudly wear a daffodil pin as a symbol of support for people living with cancer.

"We want to create a movement across Canada and see thousands of Canadians wearing the daffodil pin," says Peter Goodhand, CEO and President, Canadian Cancer Society. "United by the daffodil, we will show people living with cancer that they don't have to face cancer alone, and we won't give up until all forms of the disease are defeated."

Throughout Daffodil Month, special events and activities will be taking place in communities across Canada to raise vital funds to prevent cancer, fund research, inform and support people living with cancer, and advocate for policies to improve the health of Canadians.

Daffodil Day on April 27 helps wrap up the campaign by designating a special day where Canadians can take a moment to reflect upon the thousands of people who are on a cancer journey and also to remember those who have died.

"We encourage Canadians to do something special on Daffodil Day for those living with cancer or to contribute in some way to the fight against cancer," says Goodhand.

On Daffodil Day:

• Tell a loved one or friend with cancer that you are thinking of them; let them know about the Society's information and support programs.
• Do something special for someone you know who has cancer. For example, make a meal, drive them to an appointment, or babysit.
• Sign up as a volunteer with the Canadian Cancer Society and see how you can make a difference.
• Join a Relay For Life team or sponsor somebody who is participating.

"Whether it's through family or friends, we all have a story about how cancer affects us," says Paul Lapierre, Vice President, Public Affairs and Cancer Control, Canadian Cancer Society. "It's these stories that tie Canadians together and motivate the Society as it carries out its important mission work across Canada."

To donate online or to find out where you can get a daffodil pin go to fightback.ca or contact your local Society office.  The pins are also available at participating locations of Curves, First Choice Haircutters, Laura Canada, JACOB, LifeLabs, MAC's, Pacrim Hospitality Services hotels, Pharmasave and WirelessWave/Tbooth. Although the pin is not being sold for a set price, the Society encourages Canadians to make a donation to help support its work.

By supporting the Canadian Cancer Society during Daffodil Month, Canadians will be joining a team that works hard to fight cancer in Canada. Your donation will help the Society:

• prevent cancer
• fund research to outsmart cancer
• empower, inform and support Canadians living with cancer
• advocate for public policies to improve the health of Canadians

During Daffodil Month Canadians can make a difference by:

• wearing a daffodil pin to show your support for people living with cancer
• attending a Daffodil Day event in your community
• buying fresh daffodils - the Society's symbol of hope
• donating to the Canadian Cancer Society when a volunteer canvasser knocks on your door
• participating in a Society fundraising event in your community

Contact your local Society office to make a donation and to find out what's going on in your community.

Cancer statistics

• In 2011, it was estimated that 177,800 new cases of cancer (excluding 74,100 cases of non-melanoma skin cancer) would be diagnosed, and about 75,000 Canadians would die from the disease. This meant that on average about 480 Canadians were diagnosed with cancer, and about 205 died from the disease every day.
• An estimated 2 in 5 Canadians are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetimes. An estimated 1 out of every 4 Canadians is expected to die from cancer.
• Today, over 60% of Canadians diagnosed with cancer will survive at least 5 years after their diagnosis. In the 1940s, survival was about 25%.
• The death rate for all cancers combined is declining for males in most age groups and for females under 70.

The Canadian Cancer Society fights cancer by doing everything we can to prevent cancer, save lives and support people living with cancer. Join the fight! Go to fightback.ca to find out how you can help. When you want to know more about cancer, visit our website at cancer.ca or call our toll-free bilingual Cancer Information Service at 1 888 939-3333.

Christine Harminc
Senior Communications Specialist
416-934-5340