The Irish Cancer Society's Daffodil Centres, which provide information, support and advice in local hospitals, have helped 300,000 people since they were established 10 years ago.

There are currently 13 Daffodil Centres located in hospitals nationwide, and they are aimed at people with cancer, as well as their families and friends.

All centres are staffed by specialist nurses and trained volunteers, who are able to provide both practical information and emotional support.

The service was established in 2009 and according to the Irish Cancer Society, since then, it has helped 300,000 cancer patients.

The society celebrated the centres' 10th anniversary and paid tribute to these patients at its recent annual patient conference, ‘Living With and Beyond Cancer'.

"There are almost 200,000 cancer survivors in Ireland and there is a more pressing need than ever to have well-resourced support structures around them.

"From the first signs and symptoms, to diagnosis and treatment, to post-treatment, there are various physical, psychological and emotional needs that cancer patients have. Our Daffodil Centres play an important part in that journey," explained Irish Cancer Society head of services, Donal Buggy.

Speaking at the conference, cancer survivor, Elizabeth Morgan, said that it was "a huge shock" to find out she had cancer.

"It was a difficult road, especially since I was meant to be enjoying my engagement. I found the post-treatment period particularly challenging, and this is where I needed support the most. I felt scared and alone and I wondered what I was to do next."

"This is why patient conferences like this, and support services like the Daffodil Centres, and are so positive. It is a safe place for us to visit, get advice and to talk to others in the same boat. It is also a way for us to make our views known, and advocate for more support for our community of cancer survivors," she said.

If anyone has any concerns about cancer, they can visit one of the 13 Daffodil Centres nationwide or call the Cancer Nurseline on 1800 200 700.

The Daffodil Centres are located in the following hospitals:

-Bon Secours Hospital Cork, College Road, Cork
-Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork
-Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9
-Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin 7
-St. James's Hospital, Dublin 8
-St Luke's Hospital, Rathgar, Dublin 6
-St Vincents University Hospital, Dublin 4
-Tallaght Hospital, Dublin 24
-Hermitage Medical Clinic, Lucan, Co. Dublin
-University Hospital Galway, University Road, Galway
-Letterkenny University Hospital, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal
-University Hospital Limerick, Dooradoyle, Limerick
-University Hospital Waterford, Dunmore Road, Waterford