Styria Cancer Aid marks 80 years of support

Styria Cancer Aid is marking 80 years of providing free advice and support to people with cancer and their families, ORF reported. Founded in 1946, the organisation says about 19 people in Styria receive a cancer diagnosis each day.

Last year, 3,500 people contacted the organisation. It says 52,000 people in Styria are currently living with a cancer diagnosis.

The organisation’s managing director, Christian Scherer, said its support can help ease the psychological effects of cancer, including stress disorders, anxiety and panic attacks. The organisation provides counselling with experienced psychologists.

Overall cancer survival rates have reached 60%, according to the report, and the rate for breast cancer is 80%. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Styria, followed by lung and bowel cancer. Among men, prostate cancer is most common, followed by lung and bowel cancer.

October is focused on breast cancer screening. The Uhrturm clock tower will be lit pink until October 9 to raise awareness.