New stamps promote Cancer Awareness across Tipperary and nationwide

 An Post has issued two new stamps promoting Cancer Awareness, highlighting the vital role that Research and Care play in helping people to live well, with and beyond cancer. 

Irish Cancer Society CEO, Averil Power joined An Post CEO, David McRedmond to unveil the stamps at An Post’s HQ at the EXO, ahead of World Cancer Research Day on Sunday 24th September, in this the 60th anniversary year of the Irish Cancer Society. 

The new stamps feature two themes: Hope in Research, recognising massive investment in research in both the treatment and care settings, which ensures patients receive the best outcomes. 

This is a fast-paced environment and the improvements experienced by patients in the past 60 years are remarkable.

Strength in Community, representing the wide range of treatment and care services through which cancer patients and their loved ones receive much needed supports, while they are living with and beyond a cancer diagnosis, and the power of connection and keeping in touch to support each other.

The two ‘N’ stamps cover letter postage within the island of Ireland and were designed by Dublin design agency, Zero-G. Together with a specially designed First Day Cover envelope, they are available online at https://www.anpost.com/Shop (with free delivery) and at selected post offices nationwide.

When the Irish Cancer Society first began Daffodil Day (in 1986), just 3 out of 10 Irish people survived a cancer diagnosis. Today, 6 out of 10 do and that is as a direct result of strides made in cancer research.

Averil Power welcomed the optimism of the stamp designs: “Thanks to advances in research, there are now over 200,000 people living with and beyond their cancer diagnosis in Ireland today. Some cancers like childhood blood cancers that were previously nearly always fatal, are now largely curable. 9/10 people also survive breast, prostate and testicular cancer. 

“These stamps celebrate the improvements in earlier diagnosis and novel treatments that have made this possible. They also mark the breakthroughs that research has enabled in cancer prevention and better quality of life for survivors. Another vital aspect is hope.

“Hope that in future, no one will die from the disease and that those living with and beyond cancer will have long, fulfilling lives with a wonderful quality of life.”

Averil Power noted the Irish Cancer Society’s achievements: “The Irish Cancer Society has a proud history of investing in cancer research. Since 1979, due to the incredible support of our donors, we have funded over 450 research projects amounting to a massive €60 million investment into improving the lives of everyone affected by cancer.

“As the largest voluntary funder of Cancer Research in the Republic of Ireland we are committed to establishing and supporting collaborative cancer research, bringing clinicians, nurses, allied health professionals, lab scientists, and other researchers together to increase the pace of discovery.”

David McRedmond said “World Cancer Research Day on September 24th marks the drive towards world class, cutting edge cancer treatment, leading to incredible leaps in improving the lives of people affected by cancer, now and for generations to come.  

“We can all support this vital work by raising awareness, making donations or volunteering, to improve survival rates and ensure that our families, friends, and colleagues have the best possible care, living with cancer and beyond.”

An Post encourages customers to help raise awareness by using the Cancer Research and Care stamps, and a free postcard in all main post offices to send a personal note to someone living with or beyond a cancer diagnosis, or to support a loved one working in healthcare to provide quality treatment and practical care.