Canadian Cancer Society's Daffodil Month rallies support for prevention, research and care as nearly half of Canadians expected to face cancer

TORONTO, April 1, 2026 /CNW/ - Cancer diagnoses in Canada are projected to rise by nearly 40% between 2020 and 2040, increasing pressure on patients, families and the health-care system at a time when demand for cancer care, information and support is already growing.

As April begins, the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) is marking its annual Daffodil Month fundraising campaign with a call to support continuous progress against cancer - urging Canadians to fund the most promising, transformative research, support programs and advocacy that is saving lives and improving the quality of life for people affected by the disease.

"Daffodil Month is a time to turn hope into action," says Andrea Seale, Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Cancer Society. "CCS is investing in areas where there is the greatest potential to prevent cancer and save lives: from leading the charge on expanding access to clinical trials, to advocating for earlier detection by lowering the screening age for colorectal cancer. Together, we can create breakthroughs in cancer progress that we can all celebrate."

Nearly half of people in Canada are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. While survival rates have improved significantly over the past decades, cancer remains the leading cause of death, underscoring the need for more advancements and innovative approaches to care.

To help meet this growing need, donations made from April 16 to April 30, 2026 will be matched, doubling the impact of every gift and helping ensure progress reaches people faster.

Progress to build on

Thanks largely to research, the five-year survival rate for all cancers combined in Canada has risen to 64%, compared to just 25% when CCS was founded in 1938. For some cancers, survival now exceeds 90% when detected early. Scientists who have received funding from CCS have been behind some of the biggest cancer research discoveries of the past century. Today, funds raised during Daffodil Month support Canada's brightest science of this generation, with CCS currently funding 470 active research projects across the country.

Donor support also enables CCS to provide trusted cancer information and compassionate support through its national helpline, as well as practical services such as transportation to treatment and accommodation for people who must travel for care.

"Research moved forward -- and so did I"

For Ru Agrawal, a two-time lung cancer survivor, the impact of research is deeply personal.

"I'm here today because research moved forward," says Agrawal. "After my cancer came back as stage four, a targeted therapy changed everything. It helped me get to no evidence of disease. As more Canadians face cancer, we can't slow down. Daffodil Month is about making sure progress reaches people faster. We need sustained investment in research so more people can get the right tests, the right treatment and the right care when they need it."

Support a legacy of progress

Just as daffodils are among the first flowers to bloom each spring - resilient, vibrant and hopeful - Daffodil Month represents a collective commitment to a future where fewer people face cancer, and more people survive and thrive.

Canadians are encouraged to show their support by donating, volunteering or learning more at cancer.ca/daffodil. Donations made between April 16 and April 30, 2026 will be matched, doubling their impact for people affected by cancer today and for generations to come.

About the Canadian Cancer Society

The Canadian Cancer Society works tirelessly to save lives, improve lives and drive collective action against cancer. Together with patients, volunteers, donors and communities across the country, we invest in transformative research, provide a caring support system for everyone affected by cancer and advocate for policies that create a healthier future for all. It takes a society to take on cancer -- and the Canadian Cancer Society is leading the way. Call 1-888-939-3333 or visit cancer.ca.

SOURCE Canadian Cancer Society (National Office)

For media inquiries, please contact: Adriana Chiva, Consultant, Burson, 289-707-7155, [email protected]