Daffodils are seen as a symbol of hope for those affected by cancer, because in nature these flowers are a marker of the resurgence of spring — they push their way out of the ground after winter in a show of vitality and new life.

Throughout August each year, the Cancer Council runs an appeal to raise money for life-saving cancer research, which culminates in a public show of solidarity on Daffodil Day. Today marks the 33^rd anniversary of this event.

 This year, the charity aims to raise $4 million across Australia during this month-long appeal. In the past three decades, the research that has been done has allowed for amazing advancements to be made for cancer prevention, screening and treatment.

According to the Cancer Council, survival rates in Australia have increased from 49% in the 1980s to 69% today. Currently 7 in 10 Australians will survive at least five years after receiving a cancer diagnosis.

Each year the Cancer Council and its partners direct nearly $60 million into grants for vital research projects across the country. This research and the breakthroughs that it leads to are imperative given that one in two Australians will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85.

Today more than 8000 volunteers around Australia were selling daffodils, pins, and collecting donations in the hope of finding a cancer-free future.  This appeal will continue until the end of the month.