Speaking at the conference, Donal Buggy, Head of Services with the Irish Cancer Society said, “Today we are celebrating a special occasion – the ten year anniversary of our Daffodil Centres. More importantly we are celebrating the 300,000 people that have walked through those doors looking for support in their cancer journey.” “There are almost 200,000 cancer survivors in Ireland and there is a more pressing need than ever to have well-resourced support structures around them. From the first signs and symptoms, to diagnosis and treatment, to post-treatment, there are various physical, psychological and emotional needs that cancer patients have. Our Daffodil Centres play an important part in that journey.” “Our conference is also practical way of addressing the needs of people impacted by cancer. It allows survivors to come together, hear from experts, get information from their local cancer support centres, and most importantly, support each other in the process.”
Elizabeth Morgan, cancer survivor and conference speaker, added, “It was a huge shock to hear that I had cancer. It was a difficult road, especially since I was meant to be enjoying my engagement! I found the post-treatment period particularly challenging, and this is where I needed support the most. I felt scared and alone and I wondered what I was to do next.” “This is why patient conferences like today, and support services like the Daffodil Centres, and are so positive. It is a safe place for us to visit, get advice and to talk to others in the same boat. It is also a way for us to make our views known, and advocate for more support for our community of cancer survivors.”
The conference will include practical information sessions such as Advances in Cancer Treatment, Dealing with Fatigue, Sexuality and Intimacy after a Cancer Diagnosis. There will also be workshops on Exercise and Diet, Improving Self Confidence, Mindfulness for Daily Living and Returning to Work. The conference is kindly supported by Boots, Novartis, Janssen, Pfizer and Takeda.
For anyone has any concerns about cancer, they can visit one of 13 Daffodil Centres nationwide, call the Cancer Nurseline on Freephone 1800 200 700 or log on to www.cancer.ie
Pictured at the celebration were cancer survivors Sharon Power (Dublin), Bonnie Saiubon (Waterford) and Elizabeth Morgan (Dublin) with Irish Cancer Society Cancer nurse in the Mater Hospital Caroline Miller. Picture Andres Poveda.
