Update from our Daffodil Centres

[[{"fid":"3928","view_mode":"teaser","fields":{"format":"teaser","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":false,"field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":false},"type":"media","field_deltas":{"1":{"format":"teaser","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":false,"field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":false}},"link_text":null,"attributes":{"style":"float: right; margin: 2px;","class":"media-element file-teaser","data-delta":"1"}}]]Irish Cancer Society Daffodil Centres are information and support hubs located in 13 locations around the country, providing a wide range of information and support to anyone affected by cancer – whether they are patients, family, friends or simply someone with worries or concerns. The Centres are managed by experienced cancer nurses who together with specially trained volunteers provide information on any aspect of cancer in clear and easy-to-understand language, in a relaxed, non-clinical setting. Daffodil Centres are open to everyone and no referral or appointment is necessary.

Questions cover all sorts of topics, from the causes of cancer, the symptoms, the testing procedures, the treatments and side effects, the likely outcomes and the availability of clinical trials, to the latest cancer research results. Patients want to learn about the Irish Cancer Society’s services, and the financial and practical supports available to them. Family members often want advice on how best to support and talk about cancer with their loved ones.

Thanks to the generosity of the Irish public which allows us to keep our Daffodil Centres open, last year, Irish Cancer Society Daffodil Centres answered queries from 38,562 people.

Chemotherapy education sessions

Daffodil Centres also facilitate group education sessions for patients starting chemotherapy and for their families and friends. These sessions give the participants the tools and information they need to cope with chemotherapy, to manage side effects at home, and to help alleviate their concerns.

[[{"fid":"3634","view_mode":"teaser","fields":{"format":"teaser","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":false,"field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":false},"type":"media","field_deltas":{"2":{"format":"teaser","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":false,"field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":false}},"link_text":null,"attributes":{"style":"float: right; margin: 2px;","class":"media-element file-teaser","data-delta":"2"}}]]During 2016, over 1,000 people attended Understanding Chemotherapy sessions in the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, University Hospital Limerick, University Hospital Galway, St. James’s Hospital, Tallaght Hospital Dublin and Cork University Hospital.

The objectives of this education programme offered to patients and family members is to:

• Provide high-quality, evidence-based information.
• Empower patients in effective management of their treatment and its potential side effects.
• Reduce and alleviate concerns associated with starting chemotherapy.

So far this year, attendance at chemotherapy education sessions is up 85% compared to the same time in 2016, meaning more patients and their loved ones are better informed and equipped to cope with chemotherapy treatments.

Since 2012 over 2,700 people (patients and relatives) have attended a session. In 2016, 180 group education sessions were held across the centres with 1,047 patients and their relatives attending.