Charity: Equivalent of three people diagnosed with cancer every hour

The equivalent of one person will be diagnosed with cancer every 12 minutes by the end of the decade unless vital public donations for screening and treatment services continue to be made.

Sat, 23 Mar, 2013 - 00:00

Fiachra Ó Cionnaith

The Irish Cancer Society made the graphic warning yesterday as part of its annual Daffodil Day nationwide charity event.

According to the association, more than 26,000 people will be diagnosed with some form of cancer in Ireland this year, the equivalent of 71 people a day, or three an hour.

However, while the figures are eye-catching, poor lifestyle choices, and an ageing population meant that by the end of the decade the number of people developing the potentially fatal condition will reach 40,000 a year.

This rate is the same as 109 people a day, five people an hour — and the equivalent of one diagnoses every 12 minutes.

The ICS’s head of fundraising, Mark Mellett, said the best way the public can help reduce the growth of cancer is to keep donating to services — despite the recession.

“An ageing and increasing population and a neglect of healthy lifestyle behaviours is placing a massive demand on our services, which are funded entirely through voluntary contributions.”

The ICS has set a target of €3.4m in Daffodil Day donations this year.

Anyone who is still looking to contribute should text “Daff” to 50300 (€4 donation), calling 1850 606060, visiting www.cancer.ie/daffodilday, or downloading the Daffodil Day smartphone app.

The call for funding came as Hewlett-Packard Ireland launched a free cancer screening programme for all employees to mark the annual charity drive.

Over the next month the company, Aviva Health Insurance and the Mater Private Hospital will join forces to help people potentially at risk of cancer.

The public awareness campaign will also see Italia ’90 Irish football hero Packie Bonner launch the Power of Prevention screening programme at the Mater, which is specifically aimed at lowering male cancer rates.

Meanwhile, in honour of Daffodil Day, Cork law firm, Comyn Kelleher Tobin (CKT), held a coffee morning in aid of the Irish Cancer Society. CKT played host to their clients, neighbours and friends in their offices on the South Mall, with tea, coffee, and cakes from 10am to noon yesterday. All donations went to The Irish Cancer Society.