About Cancer Connect
You are not alone. Cancer Connect helps you understand what support is available and find information and services that are right for you.
Overview
When you or someone you know is affected by cancer, it can be hard to know where to start.
You don't have to work it out on your own.
Cancer Connect qualified professionals are here to help you find information and support that meets your needs in a way that feels right for you.
What's on this page
How Cancer Connect can help
When cancer affects your life, it can be hard to know where to start.
Cancer Connect helps people affected by cancer find trusted information, support and services across Australia.
Our qualified professionals can help you:
- understand what support is available
- find services that meet your needs
- access trusted cancer information
- talk through questions or concerns
- take the next step with more confidence.
Cancer Connect provides information, supportive conversations and help connecting with support services.
Cancer Connect does not replace your healthcare team or provide medical advice.
Who is Cancer Connect for?
Cancer Connect is for anyone affected by cancer, including:
- people with cancer
- people undergoing tests or waiting for diagnosis
- carers, family and friends
- people supporting someone with cancer.
Support is available for people and communities across Australia, including options for people from different backgrounds and communities.
Ways to access support
Speak with Cancer Connect
We know cancer can feel overwhelming and confusing. Our qualified professionals are here to help make sense of what is happening and connect you with support that feels right for you. You can speak with us about:
- understanding cancer treatment
- finding support services
- emotional support and wellbeing
- practical concerns and next steps
- support for carers family and friends.
Our team is available during business hours in your state or territory.
Can I get urgent or crisis support?
Cancer Connect cannot provide emergency or crisis support.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, requires urgent medical care or needs crisis support:
- Call Triple Zero (000)
- Contact Lifeline on 13 11 14
Finding support services
Finding services and support can be difficult.
That's why we've created a tool to help you find services.
Simply select your need and enter your postcode. You can add more details to further refine the results, just like a travel website.
Cancer information
What information is available on this website?
We want to make sure that everyone affected by cancer has access to trustworthy information, when they need it and how they need it.
On this website you can find clear and accurate information about many aspects of cancer. It has been written by professionals and regularly reviewed by experts and people with lived experience.
A great place to start is in our Understanding Cancer section, or our Just diagnosed guide
Or you might like to start at one of our pages created for your community
Our information is organised in categories of cancer types, treatments, managing side effects, living and coping with cancer, advanced cancer, life after cancer, and caring for someone with cancer.
How is the cancer information written and reviewed?
Much of the cancer information on this website is based on the Understanding Cancer series of booklets and fact sheets published by Cancer Council. We also have several series developed with and for diverse communities.
All our information is reviewed and updated every 2–3 years, or as new information becomes available. It is based on current clinical guidelines and other broadly accepted evidence. Cancer Council works with cancer doctors, specialist nurses and other health professionals to ensure the medical information is reliable and up to date. People with lived experience also review all our information to make sure it is easy to understand and answers their questions.
How should I use this information?
The information on this website is not medical advice. We cannot give advice about the best treatment for you – you need to discuss this with your doctors. However, our information may answer some of your questions and help you think about what to ask your doctor.
Always consult your doctor about matters that affect your health. The information on this website is intended as a general introduction to the topics and should not be seen as a substitute for medical, legal or financial advice. You should obtain independent advice relevant to your specific situation from appropriate professionals, and you may wish to discuss issues raised on this website with them.
All care is taken to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publication. Please note that information on cancer, including the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cancer, is constantly being updated and revised by medical professionals and the research community. Cancer Council excludes all liability for any injury, loss or damage incurred by use of or reliance on the information provided here.
Where can I find information about cancer prevention?
Cancer Council has a wide range of information about reducing your risk of cancer. You can find this on your state or territory Cancer Council website.
Where can I find information about cancer research?
If you are interested in participating in clinical trials or research, you can read our guide to Clinical Trials and Research.
To read about the research that Cancer Council conducts and funds, please visit your state or territory website.
Information for health professionals
How do I refer someone to Cancer Connect?
Health professionals can refer people to Cancer Connect by calling 13 11 20 or completing our online referral form.
For more information about what Cancer Connect offers you, visit our health professionals page.
What happens when I refer someone to Cancer Connect?
When a referral is received, Cancer Connect will review the information provided and contact the person directly to discuss their support needs.
Our team may:
- provide cancer information and emotional support
- help identify suitable support services
- assist with navigating available health and community services
- connect the person with Cancer Council programs or other appropriate services.
Referral does not guarantee eligibility for specific programs or services, and some services may vary depending on location and availability.
Where appropriate, Cancer Connect may encourage the person to continue engaging with their treating team, GP or other healthcare providers to support coordinated care.
Cancer Connect is not an emergency or crisis response service. If a person requires urgent support, contact emergency or crisis services directly. Call Triple Zero (000) or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
About Cancer Council
Who is Cancer Council?
Wherever cancer is, we are. We are Australia’s leading cancer charity, and the only Australian charity working across every aspect of every cancer, from research to prevention and support. Our vision is a cancer free future, and every day across the country our federation is working towards that, helping to reduce the physical, emotional and financial burden of cancer on the lives of all Australians.
We won’t stop until cancer does.
How can I donate, fundraise or volunteer with Cancer Council?
Cancer Council depends upon the support of generous people across Australia who volunteer, donate or fundraise.
Get involved in your state or territory Cancer Council via your local Cancer Council website.
Find support services
Find the right services for your needs, wherever you are in Australia
Read cancer information
Trusted cancer information for all people affected by cancer
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