This Daffodil Day, I want to highlight the importance of investing in research, which could be the key to COVID-19 leading to fewer, not more, cancers in NSW.

COVID-19 could cause a significant increase in the State's cancer burden, potentially impacting screening rates and increasing hesitancy around regular health check-ups.

Unless people engage with the health system where necessary, and health services are prioritised throughout the pandemic response and recovery, we may see many more deaths from cancer caused by the indirect impacts of COVID-19 than by the virus itself.

However, the challenge posed by COVID-19 also presents an opportunity to accelerate progress. We can learn from the disruption and reduce cancer burden after the pandemic has passed - provided our research capacity can grow to adjust and urgently respond.

Cancer Council NSW is supporting government and our community by expanding our research to assist the Australian COVID-19 response. We know COVID-19 is impacting on cancer - already the leading cause of premature death in NSW. We urgently need to know more, to deal with the COVID-19 impacts and accelerate our pathway to a cancer-free future.

This Daffodil Day, help us by donating now at: http://www.daffodilday.com.au/dd2020.

Cancer Council is Australia's leading cancer charity working across every aspect of every cancer. Every day, we support families affected by cancer when they need it most, speak out on behalf of the community on cancer issues, empower people to reduce their cancer risk, and find new ways to better detect and treat cancer.

Cancer Council is committed to conducting and funding world-class research that improves outcomes across the entire cancer journey. Thanks to the generosity of the community, we're getting closer to a cancer free future every day.