To fund research across the country, the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) kicked off its traditional daffodil campaign.
For the occasion, singer-songwriter Amélie Beyries offered a surprise performance Wednesday afternoon on the mezzanine of the Place-des-Arts metro station in Montreal.
Mme Beyries, who is the Quebec ambassador for the SCC fundraising campaign, declared in an interview that she felt ready, this year, to share her journey. The singer was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 28, which completely changed her life. “I wanted to promote the importance of supporting research,” she said, having herself benefited from research protocol treatment.
Cancer is the leading cause of death in Canada. In Quebec alone, it is estimated that there were 59,500 new cases of cancer in 2023 and unfortunately 22,500 deaths.
PHOTO MARTIN TREMBLAY, THE PRESS
Research is vital to improving treatments and patient care. Isabelle Girard, director of communications at the SCC, points out that research is bearing fruit. “We have made immense progress in cancer treatments over the last 30 years. The survival rate after a cancer diagnosis has really improved,” she emphasizes.
According to the CCS, the chances of survival for Canadians battling cancer (for all cancers combined) are now around 63%, up from 55% in the early 1990s. This is a jump considerable compared to the 1940s when the survival rate was barely 25%.
The Daffodil Month campaign, which continues until the end of April, is essential for funding research projects, patient services and public health policies that aim to improve the quality of life of those affected by cancer, insisted Mme Girard.
“We also carry out awareness-raising activities with governments to advocate for better public policies that will prevent cancer and improve care for people affected by different types of cancer,” she said.
The Canadian Cancer Society’s national goal for this spring is to raise $12.8 million. Last year she managed to raise 11.2 million.
In addition to research, donations are also used to finance support programs such as the free and anonymous help and information line for people with cancer or their loved ones.
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