Overview
Advanced cancer is a cancer that has spread, come back, or is at a late stage when first diagnosed. It may be called secondary, metastatic or stage 4 cancer.
While advanced cancer may often not be curable, treatment and supportive care can usually help control the cancer, manage symptoms and maintain quality of life for many months or years. Sometimes it can become a chronic (long-term) disease.
It can be confronting to find out you have advanced cancer. Find helpful information below, or call Cancer Connect on 13 11 20 to talk it through with our qualified professionals.
What's in this booklet
About advanced cancer
Find answers to common questions you may have about living with advanced cancer, such as what treatments are available, when to think about palliative care, and what the future looks like.
The emotional impact
Living with advanced cancer often means learning to live with uncertainty. Explore ways to manage common feelings of fear, guilt, anger, disbelief and sadness.
The people in your life
Advanced cancer affects those around you too. Find ways to share how you're feeling with friends and family, including children.
Making treatment decisions
Making decisions about treatment for advanced cancer can be complex. Your goals may change over time, depending on your health, symptoms, and what matters most to you.
Treating advanced cancer
Treatments like chemotherapy and other drug therapies, radiation therapy, hormone therapy or surgery may slow cancer growth, shrink tumours or help relieve symptoms.
Managing symptoms
Find tips on managing a range of physical symptoms such as sleeplessness, pain, nausea and breathlessness, as well as emotional and practical challenges.
Looking ahead
Read about issues to consider when cancer is advanced, such as dealing with debts, advance care planning, making a will, and getting your affairs in order.
Support and information
Find out where to get more cancer information and how to access support such as counselling, home help and legal services.
Questions for your doctor
It can be a good idea to prepare a list of questions before your appointments. See our list of questions about advanced cancer.
Information for carers
Find out about the practical, emotional and physical issues to expect when caring for someone with advanced cancer, and how important it is to look after yourself too.
Find support services
Find the right services for your needs, wherever you are in Australia
Need to talk to someone?
We're available 9am - 5pm
