CancerCouncil calls on Australians to help fund the next 40 years of breakthroughs

One of Australia's most iconic and enduringfundraising campaigns, Daffodil Day, returns on Thursday 20 August 2026,marking 40 years of Australians coming together to support life-saving cancerresearch and stand alongside those affected by cancer.

Since the first Daffodil Day in 1986,generations of Australians have worn yellow, sold daffodils, donated,volunteered and fundraised, helping transform cancer outcomes across thecountry. Four decades later, the campaign remains a powerful symbol of hope, resilienceand progress.

Today, approximately one in two Australianswill be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85. Despite remarkable advances inprevention, early detection and treatment, cancer continues to impact almostevery Australian family.

To mark the 40th anniversary, Cancer Councilinvites Australians to celebrate the progress made over the past four decadeswhile helping fund the discoveries that will shape the next 40 years. Whetherthrough hosting a fundraising event, taking part in the Daffodil Day Dip,dressing in yellow, purchasing a bouquet of daffodils, or making a donation,every contribution helps fund world-class cancer research, prevention programsand support services.

The impact of community support sinceDaffodil Day began has been extraordinary. In 1986, the five-year cancer survivalrate was approximately 46 per cent. Today, that figure has risen to 72 percent, meaning nearly three out of four Australians diagnosed with cancer willsurvive at least five years after diagnosis.

Cancer Council has been at the forefront ofthat progress, investing more than $47.3 million in cancer research in recentyears and funding more than 650 researchers annually. Thanks to sustainedinvestment in research, prevention and treatment, more than 61,000 Australianlives have been saved over the past two decades alone.

“Asthe iconic Daffodil Day celebrates its 40th anniversary, we must continueinvesting in pioneering research and keep building on the four decades of hardwork that has helped save so many lives and reduced the impact of cancer on ourcommunity,” Cancer Council Head of Fundraising, Lyrian Fleming-Parsley, said.

“From Australian researchers, supported byCancer Council, showing that a simple, less invasive test could detect bowelcancer early to the latest AI-powered cancer decision support, the generoussupport of the Australian public has helped achieve so much against cancer –but there’s still a long way to go.”

“Cancer Council’s Daffodil Day bringsAustralians together for a special cause. Please dig deep and help us reachthis year’s target of $5.5 million because every dollar helps save lives.”

Among the many ways Australians can getinvolved, the Daffodil Day Dip continues to grow as a powerful demonstration ofsolidarity and hope. Participants take to icy waters in honour of the mothers,fathers, brothers, sisters, children, friends and loved ones affected bycancer, while raising vital funds for future breakthroughs.

As Daffodil Day celebrated its 40thanniversary in 2026, Cancer Council is reflecting on a legacy built bycommunities across the country. More than a fundraising campaign, Daffodil Dayhas become a national movement that has united millions of Australians around ashared goal: a future where fewer lives are impacted by cancer.

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