As Cancer Society New Zealand prepares to hold its 35th Daffodil Day later this month, Chief Executive Nicola Coom is feeling a “real sense of urgency”.
“Daffodil Day is more than a fundraiser. It’s the day our country unites and says: we want a future free from cancer,” says Ms Coom.
“Many of us wear our daffodil in remembrance – of a journey we’ve been on or travelled with a loved one. Others wear it in solidarity. It signals hope. But behind the daffodil is a big job. And right now, I feel a real sense of urgency.”
With 1 in 3 New Zealanders facing a cancer diagnosis (the theme for this year’s fundraising appeal), more needs to be done and it needs to happen faster, she says.
“We must keep removing the burden of cancer, wherever and however it shows up. That might mean transport to treatment, a place to stay, reliable information, or simply someone who understands and will listen. Our teams are in communities across Aotearoa, ready to step in when cancer turns a family’s life upside down.”
But beyond those wraparound support services the Cancer Society is known for, Ms Coom says funds are also needed to invest in more research, to ramp up prevention and to find cancer earlier.
“We’re hearing directly from our oncologists: they need more research. Without it, they have nothing new to offer — no new treatments, no new surgeries, no new hope. We are already this country’s largest private funder of cancer research, and we are planning to do more to advance research.
“We also know early detection saves lives — and yet in this country we’re still fighting for access to screening that’s already standard overseas.”
Ms Coom says New Zealand needs to introduce lung cancer screening and move quickly to lower the bowel screening age to 50. “These changes will save lives, and we won’t stop advocating until they happen.”
And just as critical as research and support services is the Cancer Society’s work on cancer prevention, she says.
“It is estimated that between 30 and 50% of cancers are preventable. Funds raised through Daffodil Day help us educate communities on how to reduce their risk and advocate for policy change to support healthier communities.”
Ms Coom believes “the stakes have never been higher — and the opportunity has never been greater”.
The Cancer Society has recently set an ambitious new vision: ‘Working together towards a future free from cancer’.
“Five years ago, I might have thought that was just a dream. But today, with the power of technology, AI, cutting-edge research and innovation, I truly believe we can do it.”
- All through August donations can be made online at daffodilday.org.nz or at any branch of the ANZ bank – the Cancer Society’s major sponsor. Daffodil Day itself is Friday 29 August, but there will also be collections in some main centres on Thursday 28 and Saturday 30 August, so look out for the volunteer collectors.
For further information or to arrange media interviews please contact:
Maria De Cort
Senior Communications Advisor, Cancer Society of New Zealand
maria@cancer.org.nz
021 991 952
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