DAFFODIL DAY: A floral symbol of hope for all affected by cancer

Daffodil’s bright yellow blooms are a symbol of hope in the fight against cancer, a sentiment being reiterated by a Cancer Council SA volunteer during the annual fundraiser.

Tony Jones said the Daffodil Day Appeal throughout August, culminating today, August 25, is an opportunity to fundraise for cancer research.

“Cancer is something that strikes everybody; either they are unlucky enough to get it themselves… or (they know someone who has),” he said.

“If (people have) got a few dollars in their pocket that they’d like to donate to the Cancer Council; it is a very worthwhile charity… their funds are necessary for ongoing research.

“We’ve all got to go one way or another, but cancer’s a nasty way to go.”

Mr Jones – who is a volunteer driver for Mount Barker District Council’s Hills Community Transport – is passionate about the cause after many of his family and friends were previously diagnosed with cancer.

His mother, grandmother and great-grandmother all suffered from cancers.

Between his grandmother dying in 1952 and his mother being diagnosed in 1984, he saw the difference cancer research made.

“A lot of money (was) spent on research into cancer… so when mum was diagnosed, they could do something other than just give morphine,” he said.

As well as this, Mr Jones’ father died from prostate cancer, his sister had an inoperable brain tumour 12 years ago, many of his friends have had cancer, and Mr Jones himself has had a few skin cancers.

“Cancer’s a wicked, wicked thing,” he said.

“I know of many people who got it. 

“I’m just so passionate to help in any way I can.

“It would be nice to see the end of cancer.”

For three years, Mr Jones drove buses for the Cancer Council, taking cancer patients to their appointments, and now volunteers on Daffodil Day and at other events.

Currently, around 70 per cent of Australians are likely to survive a cancer diagnosis, an increase of around 20 per cent since the 1980s, thanks to investment in research and advancements in prevention and treatment. 

With 31 new cases of cancer diagnosed in South Australia every day, Cancer Council SA Chief Executive, Kerry Rowlands, urged residents give to this Daffodil Day Appeal, now in its 36th year.  

“More than 3800 South Australians lose their life to cancer every year, which is more than the population of Ceduna,” she said. 

“The daffodil is the international symbol of hope for everyone impacted by cancer, which is why this year we’re calling on South Australians to give hope to those impacted by cancer by supporting the Daffodil Day Appeal.

“Every person who donates, volunteers or buys daffodils this August will help us to continue to invest in life-saving cancer research programs, giving hope for better treatments and early detection and ultimately, giving hope for a cancer-free future.”

For further information, visit: (daffodilday.com.au).

Fast facts in support of Daffodil Day

• In South Australia, 31 new cases of cancer are diagnosed every day. 
• Every day, 11 South Australians lose their life to cancer. 
• An estimated 151,000 Australians were diagnosed with cancer in 2021. 
• Almost one in two Australians will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85.
• More than one million Australians are estimated to be currently living with cancer.
• The most common cancers in Australia are prostate, breast, colorectal (bowel), melanoma and lung cancer.