The Canadian Cancer Society (SCC) has launched its annual Daffodil Month campaign with a series of portraits and interviews featuring its spokesperson, Léane Labrèche-Dor, and Canadians whose cancer stories offer hope. The campaign, a cornerstone of cancer fundraising for over 70 years, aims to improve the lives of those affected by the disease.
Starting March 25, the SCC will release the “Stories of Hope” series, hosted by Labrèche-Dor, which will share the experiences of actress Anick Lemay, a breast cancer survivor, and Alexandre Nobert and Joanne Drolet, who have faced testicular, colorectal, and lung cancers, respectively. These videos will be progressively shared on social media and the SCC website.
Inspired by the theme “Let Hope Bloom,” the portraits were created with daffodils – a symbol of hope, renewal, and solidarity – as a backdrop. The campaign emphasizes that no one should face cancer alone, reflecting the realities, challenges, and hopeful moments within each cancer journey.
Labrèche-Dor, who supported her mother through cancer during her adolescence, understands the challenges faced by families impacted by the disease. She hopes to create a supportive space for those sharing their stories and to mobilize the public toward a future without cancer.
“By giving a voice to those affected, I want to raise awareness about the diversity of experiences and mobilize Quebecers around a collective action against cancer,” said Léane Labrèche-Dor, spokesperson for the SCC. “Each story highlights the strength and resilience of those who have lived or are living with cancer.”
Whereas significant progress has been made in understanding, preventing, and treating cancer, the number of recent cases continues to rise in Canada due to population growth and aging. The SCC estimates a 40% increase in new diagnoses between 2015 and 2030. The situation is particularly concerning in Quebec, which, according to Statistics Canada’s 2025 cancer report, has the highest cancer incidence rate in the country for both men and women. This underscores the continued require for research and support.
Innovative Research Projects
Funds raised during Daffodil Month will support cutting-edge cancer research aimed at increasing survival rates, preventing the disease, and improving the quality of life for those affected. The SCC is currently investing in innovative projects in Quebec, including research led by Mathieu Quesnel-Vallières and Lee-Hwa Tai at the University of Sherbrooke’s Cancer Research Institute (IRCUS). They are developing personalized vaccines for bile duct cancer with a $179,960 innovation grant for breakthrough cancer research.
Donations similarly fund a network of support services offering comfort, reassurance, and human connection to cancer patients and their loved ones.
This spring, support those affected by cancer and their families by donating online at cancer.ca/jonquille or by calling 1 888 939-3333. Every contribution helps save lives.
