A new cancer information service based at Cork University Hospital (CUH) has already provided advice and support to some 500 people since it opened in late January of this year.

The Daffodil Centre, run by the Irish Cancer Society (ICS), provides on-site information to people concerned about or affected by cancer. There are eight centres based in Cork, Dublin and Galway and plans for four more over the coming year in Waterford, Limerick, Donegal and Dublin.

Speaking at the official opening of the centre today, ICS chief executive, John McCormack, said that these centres bring information and advice ‘to the point of diagnosis and care - the hospital'.

"This is a service not just for the patient, but for their families and friends and anyone else who has a concern or question about cancer," he explained.

Meanwhile, according to CUH chief executive, Tony McNamara, the centre will also aid staff, ‘as they can be assured they are directing their patients to a trusted source of support and information, delivered by a professional and expert organisation'.

Also speaking at the official opening, Elizabeth Hynes, who was diagnosed with pulmonary and breast cancer, explained that she was so shocked by the diagnosis, it was only when she left her doctor's office that she thought of all the questions she should have asked.

"I was so confused. I saw the Daffodil Centre in the hospital and went in to speak to the nurse. She explained my diagnosis to me in simple language and gave me information on what was going to happen next. She really helped me see how I could cope and live with cancer. I am so thankful that the Daffodil Centre was there that day," she said.

The eight Daffodil Centres are located in CUH, the Bon Secours Hospital in Cork, University Hospital Galway and then Beaumont Hospital, Tallaght Hospital, the Mater Hospital, St James's Hospital and the Hermitage Medical Centre all in Dublin.

The centres are all located in the hospital foyer, close to the main entrances of each hospital.

Meanwhile, for more information on cancer, call the National Cancer Helpline at 1800 200 700.