The Cancer Council focuses on providing funded services that help cancer patients, carers, their families and friends deal with the often life-changing experience of cancer.
Cancer Council services have been developed with the help of experienced health professionals from our Cancer Council Helpline, people with cancer and some of Australia's top cancer experts. No matter who you are, where you live, or the issues you're facing, we can help with a range of services that are free, confidential and accessible throughout Australia. Every state has their own series of support services which are accessible through each of the State and Territory Cancer Council websites.
ACT
Northern Territory
New South Wales
Queensland
South Australia
Tasmania
Victoria
Western Australia
Helpline
Cancer Connect
Cancer Services Directory
Telephone Support Groups
Cancer Council ACT services
Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20
Cancer Information- FREE cancer booklets and information sheets for order or download and an information pack for patients recently diagnosed with cancer
Cancer Services Directory
Cancer Support Groups
Peer Support
Wig Service
Living with cancer education Program
Information for carers
Library
Cancer Council Northern Territory services
Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20
Information on women’s cancer
Support Groups- which are specific to the type of cancer a cancer patient has been diagnosed with.
Ostomy Service
Publications
Information sheets- on lifestyle, diagnosis and early detection
Links and interest groups
Directory of Services
Cancer Council NSW services
Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20
Understanding cancer documents and publications- FREE booklets and brochures available to order and download
Cancer Council Information Centres
Cancer Support Groups
Meditation for people with cancer, their families and carers
Relaxation for people with cancer, their families and carers
Telephone Support Groups
Cancer Services Directory
Understanding Cancer Program- FREE community education program for people who want to find out more about cancer and how to cope with it
Living Well After Cancer Program
Cancer Information Library
Cancer Answers
Cancer Clinical Trial
Join a research project- You may be eligible to participate in one of our research studies. Taking part in a study will provide important information to help defeat cancer
Cancer Council Queensland services
Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20
Cancer Counselling Service
Support Programs-Breast Cancer Support Service, Cancer Connect and c-vivor
Support during treatment- transport, accommodation, counselling and resource assistance
Support for young people
Community Grants Program
Coping with Cancer after a natural disaster
Cancer Council South Australia services
Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20
Cancer Support Services- find the right one for you!
Education groups and programs- including CanCOPE, Staying Healthy After Cancer and Managing Cancer Stress
Cancer Connect
Practical Assistance- Carers, counselling, Centre link and Meals on Wheels
Counselling- provides one on one support
Accommodation assistance- provides city accommodation for country people with cancer who require treatment in the city.
Cancer Council Tasmania services
Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20
Range of personal services- including Look Good Feel Better Program and Grants and interest free loans
Information and resources
Transportation assistance
Cancer Connect
Cancer PLUS
Research, grants and scholarships
Cancer Council Victoria services
Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20
Multilingual Cancer Information Line- provides callers with information in their own language, all for the cost of a local call.
Cancer information- order FREE brochures, booklets and more!
Cancer stories- read people’s cancer stories or write your own to share
Support services- Cancer Connect phone support or email a nurse
Support groups- there are face-to-face, internet and telephone support groups available for you to join
Online discussions, forums, blogs, live chats and writing groups via www.cancerconnections.com.au
Free seminars, workshops and programs- on topics including living with cancer, sexuality and cancer and life after cancer
Information on treatment and side effects
Financial assistance
Living with cancer- information about legal rights, for carers, for survivors, those with advanced cancer and sexuality and cancer
Holiday Break Program- the program co-ordinates short holidays free of charge for Victorian families who are dealing with a cancer diagnosis and who may not be able to afford a break or holiday.
Cancer Council Western Australia services
Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20
Accommodation assistance in Perth
Library services in Western Australia
Free wig service
Support service for cancer patients, families and friends
Palliative care information and events
Funding for cancer research
Prevention and education campaigns for schools and workplaces
Publications, CDs and other resources
Education Grants
Cancer Council Helpline
Cancer Council Helpline is a free, confidential telephone information and support service run by each State and Territory Cancer Council office. For information about any aspect of cancer, the Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20 is an excellent starting point.
Anyone can call the Cancer Council Helpline - cancer patients, people living with cancer, their families, carers and friends, teachers, students and healthcare professionals. Specially trained staff are available to answer your questions about cancer and offer emotional and practical support.
Almost 17,000 Australian women are diagnosed with breast and gynaecological (ovarian, cervical, uterine, vulvar, vaginal) cancers every year. The Helpline provides a reassuring voice on the other end of the phone.
Women dealing with gynaecological cancers often have specific needs and questions about their diagnosis and treatment options. These women often find it helpful to talk to someone who knows the answers or who has had a similar experience. Cancer Council Helpline is a blessing for these women and is reliant on the generosity of supporters like you.
Cancer Council helpline:
call 13 11 20
local call cost from anywhere in Australia (mobile calls charged at mobile rates
is open between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday
• some states have extended hours
• some states have health professionals on staff
• some states have multilingual services
Cancer Connect- Peer Support Program
Talk to someone who's been there.
Cancer Council Connect is a one-to-one support program that puts you in touch with a carefully trained volunteer who has had a similar cancer and treatment. The volunteer has a good understanding of what you are going through, and can help with practical advice and emotional support.
When you contact our service, our staff will talk to you about your support needs. If required, they will then match you with a volunteer by phone.
How the volunteer can help you:
Supports before, during or after treatment and during recovery
Practical information gained through personal experience
Hope and encouragement, and a positive role model for recovery
Ideas about where to find more information
Want to talk to someone?
Call Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20 or email your State Cancer Council Service for further information.
Cancer Services Directory
A state directory of cancer services contains information about a wide range of services that may be of use to people who have been diagnosed with cancer and their families and carers, as well as health professionals.
If you need further information about the services listed please contact the service directly or call Cancer Council's Helpline on 13 11 20.
Telephone Support Groups
Why join?
Telephone support groups can connect you with others who are going through a similar experience, no matter where you are in Australia. People tell us they join because the groups:
connect people who are in a similar situation
provide opportunities to give and receive support
enable people to share experiences and information
create a safe space to talk freely
allow them to share practical tips, tools and strategies.
The program has been running since 2000. In 2010 we ran 229 groups.
How do the groups work?
Each group has 3-7 members and 2 trained facilitators.
Groups are on twice a month, for an hour each time.
Participation is flexible — it's okay to skip sessions when you need to.
The program is free and confidential.
How do I join a group or find out more?
Call the Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20.
Donations made to the Cancer Council contribute to funding these services in each State and Territory. For a full description of each of the services available visit the relevant Cancer Coucil State or Territory website.