Overview
If you have been diagnosed with cancer, it can be helpful to understand your rights and responsibilities when accessing health care in Australia.
Your rights include access to safe and respectful health care, as well as the right to clear information so that you can decisions about your treatment (this is called “informed consent”). Your responsibilities include being considerate, honest and flexible. Carers also have rights to help with communicating with the treatment team and making decisions.
Find helpful information below, or call Cancer Connect on 13 11 20 to talk it through with our qualified professionals.
Key questions
About healthcare rights
People accessing health care in Australia have rights including fair treatment, respect and privacy. Find out more about these rights and the rights of carers.
Questions to ask your doctor
It can be a good idea to prepare a list of questions before your appointments. See our list of questions about treatment options and possible costs.
More information
Informed consent
Learn more about your right to clear information about treatment and any costs you might need to pay.
Feedback and complaints
Understand your right to give feedback and make a complaint about your health care.
Your responsibilities as a patient
Find out more about how to be considerate, honest and flexible as a patient.
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?
We're available 9am - 5pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays)
