Cancer Connect
Talk with someone who understands what you are going through.
When you have cancer, it can be helpful to talk to someone who has been through a similar experience and who understands what it is like.
What is Cancer Connect?
Cancer Connect is a free and confidential telephone support service that connects you, your carer or loved ones with a trained volunteer who has recovered from their own similar cancer experience.
Cancer Connect Volunteers know what it is like to have cancer and understand what you are going through. They can listen you to, answer questions and provide practical information and emotional support.
Who is Cancer Connect for?
Cancer connect is for people over the age of 18 who may be:
- recently diagnosed with cancer
- deciding on treatment options or managing their side effects
- facing challenges during recovery or survivorship
- caring for a loved one with cancer
- carrying a gene that increases the risk of developing cancer.
If you have advanced cancer or a high level of distress, call 13 11 20 and our trained nurses can provide you with other options for support to best meet your needs.
Who are Cancer Connect Volunteers?
Cancer Connect Volunteers have recovered physically and emotionally from their own cancer experience and have received training through Cancer Council to provide emotional and practical support over the telephone.
The Cancer Connect Program aims to match you with a volunteer who has had a similar cancer diagnosis and treatment or who shares a similar age and lifestyle.
Cancer Connect is a national program and we work together around Australia to find the right volunteer for you. Where a match is not available, the service will direct you to other support services or programs as is appropriate.
Cancer Connect Volunteers are not able to provide medical advice and are not trained counsellors, however they can listen to you with unique understanding and share their experiences and ways of coping. You may want to talk about:
- Cancer diagnosis
- Surgery considerations
- Treatment decision making and side effects
- Physical changes and appearances
- Feelings and worries
- Relationships and family planning
- Financial and lifestyle changes, including work
- Recurrence and survivorship
- Carer Issues and concerns
“I look back to when I was first diagnosed, and the fear was overwhelming—I thought I was going to die. I know how scary it can be, so being able to share my story with others through Cancer Connect and provide comfort and relief is a wonderful thing.”
How can I speak with a Cancer Connect Volunteer?
To register your interest in the Cancer Connect program or to find out more information:
- Call Cancer Council 13 11 20 information and support service
(Monday to Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, excluding public holidays) - Request a call back
- Email: askanurse@cancersa.org.au
You will be referred to a Cancer Connect Coordinator who will call you to talk about the Cancer Connect Program, your personal cancer experience and what you hope to get from talking with a volunteer.
All information is kept private and confidential, and you can withdraw from the program at any time.
Can I become a Cancer Connect Volunteer?
We are always looking for volunteers to join Cancer Council SA who are willing to share their experiences and support others diagnosed with cancer.
For more information click here.