Western Australia Support Services

• Cancer Council Helpline
• Community Support for People Diagnosed with Cancer, their Families and Friends
• Community Supportive Care
• Cancer Counselling
• The Lymphoedema Management Service
• Support Groups
• Wig Library
• Accommodation for Country Patients
• Day Therapy and Complementary Therapy services

Cancer Council Helpline

Our Helpline 13 11 20 is a confidential telephone information and support service. For the cost of a local call from anywhere in Australia, specialist cancer nurses can answer questions about any aspect of cancer, including:

• How to prevent cancer or find it early
• How to cope with treatment and its side effects

They can also:

• Send information resources
• Put callers in touch with services in their local area
• Offer emotional support to cancer patients, their families and carers

Community Support for People Diagnosed with Cancer, their Families and Friends

We provide a wide range of service to help people manage with a diagnosis of cancer. Our supports may provide practical support, emotional caring support, professional allied health services or accommodation to help you, your family and friends All these services can be found by calling the Cancer Council Helpline on
13 11 20 (the cost of a local call).

Community Supportive Care

There are trained staff and volunteers within the Western Australian community who can provide emotional or practical support to people whose lives are affected by cancer.

Cancer Counselling

Counselling is provided by qualified and caring professionals. Counselling sessions are undertaken in a supportive and safe environment in which confidentiality is always respected and upheld.

Counselling can be useful for dealing with

• the shock of diagnosis and coping with treatment and recovery
• emotional issues including anxiety, depression, anger, panic, fear, grief, crisis, bereavement, powerlessness and withdrawal
• relationship and family related issues
• setting realistic goals
• crisis management and decision making
• stress and distress
• death and dying concerns.

The Lymphoedema Management Service

Provides a comprehensive service for clients with, or at risk of, lymphoedema.

Lymphoedema is the swelling that results from accumulated lymph fluid when the lymphatic vessels, or lymph nodes are blocked or damaged (eg from surgery or radiotherapy). Swelling is most common in the arms or legs, but may occur in the trunk. Although it is not possible to repair the damaged lymphatic system, lymphoedema can be managed. The aim of treatment is to improve the drainage of fluid and reduce swelling, pain and discomfort.

Support Groups

Support groups are meetings whereby people who have had similar experiences come together to share information, ideas and feelings.  This sharing takes place in a friendly and confidential environment.  The Cancer Council WA offers support groups for people whose lives have been affected by cancer and their families and friends.

Support groups can be a great source of empowerment and support.  They may provide:

• Information and knowledge about cancer care
• Practical advice and assistance
• New coping strategies
• Comfort
• Companionship and friendship

Wig Library

The Cancer Council Wig Library provides cancer patients with a range of wigs, turbans and scarves for loan at no cost during the course of their treatment. Patterns are also available.

A fully trained volunteer is available to assist you.

Accommodation for Country Patients

AH Crawford Lodge, an accommodation facility for country cancer patients and their carers coming to Perth for diagnosis and treatment, offers first-class facilities in a caring and supportive environment.

Set in beautiful landscaped gardens, close to local shops and transport and within walking distance of Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, the Lodge offers twin, single and self contained family units all with ensuite bathroom, refrigerator, tea and coffee making facilities, telephone, television, reverse-cycle air conditioning, private balcony or patio area. It includes access to fully equipped kitchens and dining rooms.

Day Therapy and Complementary Therapy services

The Support Centre located in Shenton Park provides a range of Day Therapy Services for people with cancer or a progressive illness and support for those who care for them. The service provides a comprehensive service of the highest possible standard for people in the community living with cancer or a life limiting illness.

These services include a range of complementary therapies including Reflexology, Meditation, Relaxation, Massage and Reiki.

© 2008 Cancer Council