Cancer Society’s services are needed more than ever
The Cancer Society held its traditional Daffodil Day last Friday.
Last year 23,000 New Zealanders were diagnosed with cancer, this represents an increase of almost 30 per cent in the past 10 years. This is expected to increase by a further 61 per cent by 2035.
“Today cancer affects one in three Kiwis, in the not too distant future it is predicted to affect one in two. This is not a target we should be aiming to achieve,” says Debra Elgar, CE, Cancer Society Central Districts.
“New Zealand has the highest rates of melanoma in the world and one of the highest rates of bowel cancer. Sadly, these are only two examples of why our services have never been more relevant or in demand.
“Throughout the Central Districts we are experiencing more and more people engaging with the Cancer Society to help navigate the practical and emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis. Whether someone needs advice and guidance, somewhere to stay during treatment, access to support groups or a ride to the hospital for treatment, the Cancer Society offers a wide-range services that would not otherwise be available across our region.
“This is why Daffodil Day really is the most important event in our calendar. Without the generosity of New Zealanders, and the 2006 local volunteers out on our streets encouraging others to donate this Friday we would not be able to continue to meet the growth in demand for all our services.
“With the help of our wonderful donors, we are committed to ensuring anyone that needs our support, anywhere across the Central Districts, will receive it. No one should ever face cancer alone.
“Tragically 9500 people die from cancer each year in New Zealand — 31 per cent of all deaths recorded in New Zealand are cancer related, but we are also seeing survival rates increasing. This is great news and something the society and healthcare services are striving hard to achieve, but it also places additional demand on our resources. Our back to work programmes and support services like counselling are under increasing pressure.”