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.
Key information
About advanced cancer
Learn how advanced cancer develops, what treatments are available, when to think about palliative care, and what the future looks like.
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.
Key steps
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 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.
Planning and preparing
The emotional impact
Everyone reacts differently to being diagnosed with advanced cancer. Explore ways to manage common feelings of fear, guilt, anger, disbelief and sadness.
Coping with advanced cancer
Explore different ways to cope with uncertainty and find meaning or hope. Find out who may be able to help you.
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.
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.
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
Need to talk to someone?
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