Since the first Daffodil Day in 1986, the daffodil has stood as the national symbol of hope for the one in two Australians who will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. This August, Cancer Council ACT is asking Canberrans to turn that hope into action by supporting Daffodil Day and helping fund local cancer research.

Dr Vijay Bhoopalan is working to understand how tiny blood cells called platelets affect the health of stem cells in cancer patients right here at Canberra Hospital.

As a postdoctoral fellow at the John Curtin School of Medical Research at the Australian National University, his work aims to help improve outcomes for local Canberra cancer patients.

Explaining his project, Dr Bhoopalan said: “We are testing existing drugs that can protect the stem cells, we think could reduce of recovery time for people with cancer after a heavy dose of chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation”

Dr Bhoopalan is one of the 2026 Cancer Council ACT research grant recipients. His work is made possible by the generous supporters of Cancer Council ACT through donations and support of fundraising initiatives such as Daffodil Day.

“That’s where the Cancer Council ACT grant has been really helpful at this stage in my career, to help me dig deeper into a question that could lay the groundwork for improving how we support patients through stem cell transplantation” Dr Bhoopalan said.

2026 marks 40 years of Daffodil Day. This milestone recognises the progress we have made and the continued need to invest vital life-changing cancer research.

In 1986, the five-year cancer survival rate was approximately 46%. Today it has risen to 72%, meaning nearly three out of four Australians diagnosed with cancer will survive at least five years after diagnosis.

This year, Cancer Council ACT awarded $200,000 in grants to two local researchers, supporting work to improve cancer prevention, treatment and outcomes for people in the ACT.

Dr Bhoopalan’s research shows how community fundraising can have a direct local impact: donations made through Daffodil Day help fund projects that may improve treatment and recovery for cancer patients in Canberra.

“Every bunch of daffodils sold, every cold dip and every dollar donated helps Cancer Council ACT invest in local Canberra cancer research, improving outcomes for people affected by cancer right here in the ACT,” Cancer Council ACT CEO Verity Hawkins said.

This August, Cancer Council ACT is inviting the community to wear yellow, buy a bunch of daffodils, host a fundraiser or donate to celebrate 40 years of Daffodil Day and help fund the next generation of life-changing cancer research.

Canberrans can also join the Daffodil Day Dip and brave the cold at Lake Burley Griffin alongside the ACT Brumbies on 19 August.

Find out more at daffodilday.com.au. A little kindness can blossom into life-changing research for people affected by cancer.