Demand Soars for Cancer Society Services

The Cancer Society is calling on all Kiwis to dig deep and give generously this Daffodil Day (Friday 31^st August) to support the increasing need for its services, research and advocacy

• 49,000 nights’ accommodation given to cancer patients and carers
• 9,383 home visits made by community teams
• 19,392 trips to and from cancer treatment made by volunteer drivers
• 1,129,887 kilometres driven across the country by volunteer drivers
• 12,000 Daffodil Day volunteers across New Zealand

Last year 23,000 New Zealanders were diagnosed with cancer, this represents an increase of almost 30% in the past 10 years.  This is expected to increase by a further 61% 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 Mike Kernaghan, CEO, Cancer Society of New Zealand.

“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 New Zealand 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 of services that would not otherwise be available.

“This is why Daffodil Day really is the most important event in our calendar.  Without the generosity of New Zealanders, and the 12,000 volunteers out on the 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 in New Zealand, will receive it.  No one should ever face cancer alone.

“Tragically 9,500 people die from cancer each year in New Zealand – 31% 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.”

By the end of 2018, it is predicted that the Cancer Information Service and Helpline 0800 CANCER (266 237) will have taken over 100,000 calls since it was launched in 2007.  Whilst its staff of cancer nurses will have spent over 4,540 hours this year providing support and advice to New Zealanders affected by cancer.  The Society owns five lodges close to major hospitals in New Zealand, providing accommodation and support to cancer patients and their carers.  During 2017, the Society Lodges provided 49,000 bed night to those who needed to stay near a hospital for their treatment, and volunteers drove over one million kilometres taking nearly 5,000 patients to and from their treatment.

The Cancer Society, which receives no direct government funding, also works tirelessly to break down barriers to early diagnosis and treatment.  “It may not be comfortable to admit as a nation, but we have to recognise that access to healthcare is not a level playing field for all Kiwis,” continues Kernaghan.

“We have just launched a new initiative that has seen us partner with four Māori health providers in Northland in a bid to reduce the region’s cancer mortality rate, which is now[1] the highest of any region in New Zealand.  The partnerships have allowed the Society to triple the level of support it was previously able to offer in Northland, and we anticipate this will mean more cancers being detected and treated earlier, and ultimately, fewer Northlanders dying from cancer.”

Cancer does not discriminate; its effects can be felt in all parts of the lives it touches. With the funds raised on Daffodil Day the Cancer Society works hard to ensure that help is available for all Kiwis wherever and whenever they might need it.   The monies raised also enables the Society’s work towards reducing the incidence of future cancers through its health promotion activities.

“The Cancer Society knows it is not enough to offer support once a diagnosis is made, what we really want are fewer reasons for us to exist.  This is why we are also a major funder of world class cancer research. In the last financial year, the organisation invested approximately $4.8 million through a variety of programmes including its annual National Grant round.

“By donating money on Friday 31^st, Daffodil Day, you are helping your local community access the help they need right now! And fighting to reduce the incidents of future cancers.  We can help beat cancer together,” concludes Kernaghan.

People can donate:

• To street collectors on Friday 31^st August
• At any ANZ branch
• Online at www.daffodilday.org.nz 

Background

• ANZ has been the principal sponsor of Daffodil Day since it began 28 years ago
• One in three kiwis will be affected by cancer – directly or a loved one
• Daffodil Day ensures the Cancer Society can continue to support vital cancer research and provide practical help, care and comfort for people affected by cancer throughout New Zealand
• The Cancer Society has four main services - supportive care, delivering health promotion programmes, advocacy and funding research.
• The Cancer Society owns five lodges close to major hospitals in New Zealand, providing accommodation and support to cancer patients and their carers.
• Cancer Society is a national community-based organisation of paid staff and volunteers whose mission is to reduce the incidence and impact of cancer
• Cancer Society is dedicated to ensuring the best cancer care for everyone in New Zealand
• Cancer Society it is the largest charitable funder of cancer research in the country
• Cancer Society is a non-profit organisation which receives no direct financial support from Government.