Ten westmeath people diagnosed with cancer each week

At least 10 Westmeath people are diagnosed with cancer every week.

That’s according to new statistics from the The Irish Cancer Society, who launched their 2015 Daffodil Day campaign in Dublin recently that was attended by a large contingent of volunteers from Westmeath. The organisation also revealed that cancer rates have gone up by 4% in the last three years.

Speaking at the launch, John McCormack, Chief Executive Officer, Irish Cancer Society said: “Every family in Westmeath 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 Westmeath 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.”

Funds raised on Daffodil Day, which takes place on Friday March 27, go directly to fund the work of the Society across support, prevention, research and advocacy. Night Nursing is one service funded by Daffodil Day. Last year the Society was able to fulfil 96 per cent of requests for a night nurse.

Seventy Five percent of cancer patients wish to die at home surrounded by family, yet only 25% get to do so. The Irish Cancer Society provides the only night time care service for cancer patients in their own homes.

In 2014 the Society’s nurses provided 255 nights of care to 49 patients in Westmeath and this service is fully funded by the people of Westmeath who consistently support the work of the Society.
To get involved, visit www.cancer.ie .