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Call 13 11 20 for information and support

Coping with cancer

A cancer diagnosis can affect many aspects of life – from your physical health to your emotions, relationships and day-to-day routines. It’s normal to feel uncertain or overwhelmed, and to have many questions along the way.

Cancer Council SA is here to help. We provide trustworthy information, resources and support to guide you and your family through the challenges of cancer, and to connect you with services that can make things a little easier.

Person sits in a dark armchair by a window, reading a tablet; bed with yellow scarf and bag nearby. Person sits in a dark armchair by a window, reading a tablet; bed with yellow scarf and bag nearby.
Managing side effects

Cancer treatments can cause side effects. Find information and tips to help you manage some common side effects that you may experience.
Group of people in a yoga class stretching with arms raised in a sunlit studio. Group of people in a yoga class stretching with arms raised in a sunlit studio.
Supporting physical wellbeing

It’s important to look after your wellbeing during and after cancer treatment. This may help people cope better with the physical and emotional impact of cancer, as well as side effects.
Two older adults sitting on patterned chairs by a window, chatting and sipping from white mugs. Two older adults sitting on patterned chairs by a window, chatting and sipping from white mugs.
Emotions

A cancer diagnosis is often a life-changing event. We hope this information will help you understand the range of reactions that people may have. It suggests ways to adjust to the diagnosis and cope during and after treatment. It also provides information about support services.
Adult and child at a round table in a bright playroom with toys, shelves, and a teddy on the sofa. Adult and child at a round table in a bright playroom with toys, shelves, and a teddy on the sofa.
Talking with kids about cancer

Explaining a cancer diagnosis to children or teenagers can feel difficult and overwhelming, but talking sensitively and honestly about cancer can reassure them during a time of uncertainty and change. Giving children the chance to ask about cancer and express their feelings will help them understand.
A couple relaxing in a hammock outdoors on a sunny day, smiling. A couple relaxing in a hammock outdoors on a sunny day, smiling.
Sexuality and intimacy

Sex and intimacy are an important part of our wellbeing and whether or not you want to become a parent or add to your family, you may be wondering how cancer will affect your fertility.
Two people chat in a modern office; one sits smiling in a black dress near a desk. Two people chat in a modern office; one sits smiling in a black dress near a desk.
LGBTQIA+ people and cancer

This Information has been prepared to help you understand how cancer and its treatment may affect LGBTQI+ people – lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other diverse sexualities and genders, as well as people with intersex variations.
Person typing on a silver laptop at a wooden desk, with a notebook and pen nearby. Person typing on a silver laptop at a wooden desk, with a notebook and pen nearby.
Financial and legal concerns

Cancer can affect many aspects of a persons life, not just physical and emotional, but practical issues such as legal and financial issues.
Side profile of a person in an orange polka-dot top at a desk, reading text on an iMac. Side profile of a person in an orange polka-dot top at a desk, reading text on an iMac.
Work and cancer

A cancer diagnosis can have a significant impact on your life. On this page you will find practical information for employees and employers navigating a cancer diagnosis.
Medical professional wearing blue gloves draws blood from a patient’s arm with a red tourniquet. Medical professional wearing blue gloves draws blood from a patient’s arm with a red tourniquet.
Clinical trials

We hope this information helps you make an informed decision about whether to take part in clinical trials or other types of cancer research. You can read about how to get involved in a clinical trial, what to consider before deciding to take part, and what to expect during and after the trial.
Person sitting on a wooden bench, reading a magazine, wearing a teal top, yellow mug beside. Person sitting on a wooden bench, reading a magazine, wearing a teal top, yellow mug beside.
Living well after cancer

Many people live for a long time after cancer treatment. We hope this information helps you with the challenges you may face now that active treatment is finished. These challenges will vary depending on the type of cancer and treatment you had, and your personal situation.