Nineteen people in mayo diagnosed with cancer every week

SOME 19 people in Mayo are diagnosed with cancer every week. Rates have increased by 4 per cent over the last three years.

The figures were revealed as the Irish Cancer Society and Dell launch Daffodil Day 2015 in Mayo.

Daffodil Day, supported by Dell, will take place in Mayo on Friday, March 27. This year marks the 28th Daffodil Day - Ireland’s longest running and biggest fundraising day.

The society announced a growth in cancer incidence that is sure to have a direct impact on its services – increasing the need for the people in Mayo to support Daffodil Day so they can reach their fundraising target of €3.5 million for 2015.

Speaking at the launch, John McCormack, CEO, Irish Cancer Society, said:  “Every family in Mayo is touched by cancer, and these new figures confirm that cancer rates are growing. As cancer is increasing so are our efforts to fight it.

“As the national cancer charity we are working harder to ensure that every family in need of support in Mayo has access to our services. To meet the increased demand for help as more people get and survive cancer we need to raise even more money this year on Daffodil Day.”

In 2014 the society’s nurses provided 499 nights of care to 78 patients in Mayo and this service is fully funded by the people of Mayo who consistently support the work of the Society.

The society and Dell are calling on the public to help support the campaign on March 27 and ask people to volunteer, organise or donate on CallSave 1850 60 60 60 or visit www.cancer.ie/daffodilday.