BROADMEADOWS resident Patricia Wills is in her 60s, but she still enjoys the hustle and bustle involved with being a volunteer collector on Daffodil Day.

This Friday marks 12 years since Mrs Wills began selling daffodils to raise money for the Victorian Cancer Council. She says people are as generous as ever when asked to make a donation to help find a cure for the disease.

"People seem to relate to the daffodil flower and it has become a symbol for fighting cancer," Mrs Wills said.

"Some people give you money without even taking a flower because they know it's going towards an important cause."

The Cancer Council estimates 582 Hume residents will be diagnosed with cancer this year and one in two Australians are diagnosed with it by the age of 85.

Council spokeswoman Deb Stringer said cancer figures remained a concern, but survival rates continued to improve with advances in treatment and early detection.

"Research is essential if we are to increase our knowledge of cancer - why it occurs and what can be done to stop it.

"We'd like to offer more funding so more people have access to a variety of clinical trials in their local areas.

"By showing your support you will help us continue our support of cancer trials."

Mrs Wills, who lost a cousin to cancer and has many friends who suffer from the disease, said she did not mind getting up early to collect donations at Melbourne Central station.

Donation details: visit www.daffodilday.com.au