Support is available from a wide range of organisations.
Cancer Council offers various support services, which are free of charge for eligible people with cancer and their family, friends and co-workers. There are also specific resources available for carers.
Support from Cancer Council
Cancer Council 13 11 20 Information and Support Service
Our confidential telephone service is staffed by trained health professionals who can provide information about any aspect of cancer. Our 13 11 20 consultants can send you printed information, connect you with counselling and support services in your local area, and provide emotional support.
Your local Cancer Council website
Provides evidence-based information about more than 40 types of cancer, as well as information about cancer treatment and side effects, living with cancer, prevention, research and advocacy. Information can be read online or downloaded as PDFs. You can also find links to a range of support services for people affected by cancer.
You can also request free copies of our booklets and fact sheets.
Cancer Council Legal, Financial and Workplace Referral Services
Programs that can connect people affected by cancer with a legal, financial or workplace professional for advice (the advice is free for eligible clients). Available in most states and territories.
For South Australians, visit Legal & Financial Assistance for People with Cancer or call Cancer Council 13 11 20 for more information.
Cancer Council Online Community
This site hosts a moderated online community for people affected by cancer, their families and carers. It is a safe place to connect with others and chat about treatment, specific cancer types, carers’ issues, survivorship, and grief and loss.
Visit the Cancer Council Online Community for more information.
Cancer Council’s podcast series
The Thing About Cancer, Cancer Council’s podcast series, provides information and insights for anyone affected by cancer.
Cancer Council resources for workers and employers
Cancer and its treatment can affect many aspects of a person’s life, including work. These resources provide information for workers and employers about managing work after a cancer diagnosis. Visit your local Cancer Council website for these resources.
Support from other organisations
You can find many useful resources online, but not all websites are reliable. The websites listed below are good sources of support and information.
Australian Human Rights Commission – Receives complaints about discrimination and bullying in the workplace, and promotes fairness.
Beyond Blue – Offers online and phone support to people affected by anxiety and depression.
Cancer Australia – Provides information about cancer control and care.
Carer Gateway – Provides practical information and resources for carers, and links to support services, including respite care. There is also information for working carers.
Services Australia (including Centrelink) – Offers financial support for people with a long-term illness and for primary carers.
Fair Work Commission – The national workplace tribunal. Helps resolve issues at work and can also hear workplace bullying claims.
Fair Work Ombudsman – Information on pay, National Employment Standards, leave, termination/dismissal and complaints.
JobAccess – Provides information and assistance to support the employment of people with a disability, including cancer.
National Disability Insurance Scheme – Provides supports and services for people with a permanent and significant disability.
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner – National body that investigates privacy infringements and handles privacy complaints.
Work After Cancer – Website created by Flinders University and funded by the Australian Government, with information about working during cancer treatment and returning to work after treatment.
Specific types of cancer
Children and teenagers
Cancer Hub (Camp Quality, CanTeen and Redkite) – a one-stop shop to support families impacted by cancer
Featured resource
This information has been developed by Cancer Council NSW on behalf of all other state and territory Cancer Councils as part of a National Cancer Information Subcommittee initiative.
This information was last reviewed in November 2024 by the following expert and consumer reviewers: Jenny Lee, Medical Oncologist, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Joey Tass, Partner, Hunt & Hunt Lawyers, NSW; Andrea Concannon, Consumer; Felicity Hale, Supportive Care Specialist, Cancer Council NSW; Pamela Campusano Vallejos, Consumer; Kaylene Jacques, Director, People and Culture, Cancer Council NSW; Emily Mitchell, Advanced Occupational Therapist, Gold Coast Specialist Palliative Care Service, QLD; Anushka Methananda, General Manager, People and Culture, Publicis Groupe Australia; Sophie Michele, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council SA; Jonathan Park, Consumer; Lucy Wilson, Chief People Officer, Gumtree Australia, NSW; Fiona Wiseman, Senior Social Worker, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Sue Woodall, Consumer and founder LiveWorkCancer, Sydney, NSW.
This information is intended as a general introduction and should not be seen as a substitute for medical, legal or financial advice. You should obtain independent advice relevant to your specific situation from appropriate professionals. Information on cancer, including the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cancer, is constantly being updated and revised by medical professionals and the research community. While all care is taken to ensure accuracy at the time of last review, Cancer Council Australia and its members exclude all liability for any injury, loss or damage incurred by use of or reliance on the information provided on this page.