Information for health professionals
Cancer Connect is Cancer Council’s national cancer information and support service, helping patients, carers and families access the right information, services and support at the right time
A trusted support pathway for people affected by cancer
We work alongside health professionals and connect people with support across the cancer sector, including specialist cancer organisations and community services. Cancer Connect complements clinical care and existing support.
There is no charge for information and support provided by Cancer Connect.
Call 13 11 20. Available 9am–5pm, Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays. Call costs may apply.
What’s on this page
How to refer people to Cancer Connect
Referring people to Cancer Connect is quick and easy.
Call 13 11 20 or complete our online referral form to refer a patient or client. Our team will contact the person directly to discuss their support needs.
Patients, families and carers can also contact Cancer Connect themselves.
When should I refer?
When should I refer?
Consider Cancer Connect when a patient or carer has questions about cancer, needs emotional or practical support, or would benefit from help finding relevant services.
People can access Cancer Connect alongside support they already receive from your team or other organisations.
What happens after the referral?
What happens after the referral?
Referring a patient is quick and easy for health professionals. Call 13 11 20 during office hours, or complete our online referral form.
Our team reviews the information provided and contacts the person to discuss their needs and support options.
Depending on their needs, we may provide cancer information and emotional support, help identify suitable services or assist them to connect with further support.
Other organisations may charge for their services. Access depends on eligibility, location and availability.
Can Cancer Connect provide urgent support?
Can Cancer Connect provide urgent support?
Cancer Connect is not an emergency or crisis response service. For urgent clinical concerns, use the appropriate clinical pathway. In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000). For crisis support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Find support services for patients and carers
Use our Service Finder to explore local and national services that may meet a patient’s or carer’s needs, including services provided by Cancer Councils, specialist cancer organisations and community providers.
Cancer information and resources
Explore information about diagnosis, treatment, side effects and managing the many impacts of cancer.
Our information is developed with experts, health professionals and people with lived experience of cancer. It is reviewed regularly to incorporate new evidence and current clinical practice guidelines.
You can print out our online fact sheets for your patients and order free printed resources for your treatment centre.
Information for different communities
Find information and resources that recognise different cultural, language, communication and accessibility needs.
Order printed cancer resources
Printed resources
Free printed resources can be ordered through state and territory Cancer Council websites.
Printed resources
Clinical information
Clinical practice guidelines
Cancer Council Australia develops and distributes evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for the prevention, diagnosis and management of cancer.
Optimal Care Pathways
Optimal Care Pathways are a framework for the delivery of consistent, evidence-based care for people with cancer.
Cancer Connect supports anyone affected by cancer
We believe people shouldn’t have to navigate the cancer system alone.
Cancer Connect is a national service that provides people affected by cancer with free, trusted information and practical support.
We help people to:
- understand what to expect at every stage
- access clear and trusted information from experts
- identify services and support options including mental health, practical and financial support
- navigate local, state and national support services
- feel more confident about next steps.
How we work across Australia
Cancer Connect is delivered through Cancer Councils across Australia, working alongside health professionals, specialist cancer organisations and community support services.
We help people find support suited to their needs while maintaining their existing relationships with treating teams and support providers.
We provide inclusive and culturally responsive support, wherever people live and whatever their background. Our approach recognises peoples cultural, language and accessibility needs.
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)
