The daffodil is a symbol of strength and courage in the fight against cancer.

And with Daffodil Days just around the corner, folks are encouraged to buy a daffodil pin and wear it in April to show their support for Canadians living with cancer.

Support the Canadian Cancer Society’s popular springtime tradition by purchasing fresh-cut daffodils for $6 per bunch during Daffodil Days. This vibrant flower has long been a bright symbol in the fight against all 200-plus types of cancer – they’ll not only bring cheer to your day, but also to cancer patients, their families and caregivers.

The bright yellow daffodil has been an integral part of the Society’s history since it was used for the first time by Toronto volunteers during the 1950s to decorate tables at fundraising events that became known as Daffodil Teas.

Since then, daffodils have arrived in communities across Canada to mark the beginning of Daffodil Month.

To this day, the daffodil continues to symbolize strength and courage in the fight against cancer.

Money raised through flower sales helps people living with cancer and funds life-saving research, information and support services.

For more information about where you can purchase flowers, call 403-309-5432 or email callie.leshchyshyn@cancer.ab.ca.

According to the Canadian Cancer Society, the latest statistics showed that an estimated 202,400 new cases of cancer and 78,800 deaths from cancer were expected to occur in Canada in 2016.

During the Society’s early years in the 1940s, the cancer survival rate was about 25%.

Today, over 60% of Canadians diagnosed with cancer will survive at least five years after their diagnosis.

Cancer is the leading cause of death in Canada and is responsible for 30% of all deaths. It was also estimated that for 2016, 102,900 Canadian men would be diagnosed with cancer and 41,700 men would die from cancer and that 99,500 Canadian women would be diagnosed with cancer and 37,100 women would die from cancer.

On average, 555 Canadians will be diagnosed with cancer every day.

On average, 216 Canadians will die from cancer every day.

Lung, breast, colorectal and prostate cancer are also the most common types of cancer in Canada (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer). These cancers account for over half (50%) of all new cancer cases.

The Society also points out that there are many known risk factors for cancer.

It has been estimated that smoking is responsible for 30% of all cancer deaths and that one-third of cancers can be linked to diet, obesity and lack of exercise.

Risk reduction is taking action to lower one’s risk of developing cancer.

Risk can be increased or decreased by lifestyle choices and the kind of environment a person lives and works in. About half of all cancers can be prevented through healthy living and policies that protect the public.

We encourage Red Deerians to get behind the cause next month, whether by purchasing daffodils, attending the tea or volunteering with the Society.