Overview
Many people find they need support after treatment finishes. These include education programs and support groups, and may be offered through hospitals or cancer organisations.
What services are available may vary depending on where you live. Some services will be free, but others might have a cost.
Call Cancer Connect on 13 11 20 for more information about support services.
Survivorship programs
Survivorship programs provide information about recovery from cancer and its treatment, as well as practical information about life after cancer. Many offer group education programs for survivors that can help you meet others in a similar situation.
You may find it helpful to share tips and ideas with other participants. Some survivorship programs are open to carers, family, friends and work colleagues.
Cancer Council
Your local Cancer Council may offer programs providing information about living well after cancer.
Topics covered may include nutrition, exercises to help improve quality of life, mindfulness and adjusting to life following cancer treatment. You may also find it helpful to watch Cancer Council’s survivorship webinars. Call Cancer Connect on 13 11 20 to find out what services are available in your area.
Treatment centres
Some hospitals, treatment centres and community organisations offer free education programs for cancer survivors. Ask your oncologist, social worker or cancer nurse for a referral to a local support group or survivorship program.
Really enjoyed the program. I liked that it wasn’t ‘you have to make major changes’ because you don’t stick to it, small changes over time.
Talk to someone who’s been there
Getting in touch with other people who have had similar experiences to you can be helpful. In a support group, you may find that you are more comfortable talking about your issues after treatment, relationships with friends and family, and hopes and fears for the future.
There are many ways to connect with other people in a similar situation. Call Cancer Connect on 13 11 20 for help finding face-to-face or telephone support groups, or to be put in touch with someone who has had a similar cancer experience. You could also join Cancer Council's online community.
After treatment, some people want to help improve the cancer experience for others through support groups, volunteer work, advocacy or fundraising. If this interests you, call Cancer Connect on 13 11 20 for more information. There is no hurry. Focus first on your recovery. It is important to look after yourself if you want to help others.
I’ve just passed the five-year mark and had my final appointment with my oncologist – this has been a big relief. In the last year I’ve become involved as a volunteer providing telephone peer support with Cancer Connect.
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