| Advanced cancer | First reactions | The emotional impact |
| Treatment | Common symptoms | Complementary therapies |
| Unproven remedies | Death and dying | Services & information |
A brief listing of some of the major services available in Victoria.
The Cancer Council Helpline is a service for people with cancer and their carers, friends and relatives. Telephone 13 11 20.
The Cancer Council Helpline can refer you to a Cancer Support Group in your area. Telephone 13 11 20.
The Carers Advice Line provides information and support for people caring for people with illness and disability. Telephone 1800 242 636.
Care Ring can provide information, counselling and referral for people with health- and family-related problems. Telephone 13 61 69, 24 hours, Monday to Friday.
Grief Line offers support to people who are experiencing grief as a consequence of a significant loss in their lives. Telephone 9596 7799.
DoCare (see the White Pages for the service in your region) and the Australian Red Cross (8327 7700) can organise home visitors. Other charitable organisations may be able to help, as may a cancer support group. For information, telephone 13 11 20.
Lifeline provides information, counselling and referral for people with personal problems. Telephone 13 11 14, 24 hours, seven days.
A course for people with cancer and their families and friends, held at hospitals and community organisations throughout Victoria. Ask your hospital's social worker for details or contact the Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20.
For information, support and advice, contact your hospital and ask for the social worker or patient services unit. Your local community health centre may also have a social worker on staff, or be able to refer you to a social work service. Pastoral care workers are able to discuss practical and spiritual concerns (from all religious and atheistic viewpoints). Contact your hospital, hospice or palliative care service.
A free forum for people with advanced cancer held at community organisations throughout Victoria. Covers topics such as finance and legal issues, treatment options, clinical trials, support services and family issues. Call the Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20 for more details.
The Australian Funeral Directors Association can provide a listing of funeral directors and estimates of funeral costs. Telephone 9859 9571.
The Cancer Council's Welfare Grants Program can provide financial assistance for people with cancer. Telephone 13 11 20.
Can provide information on Commonwealth Government disability, sickness and carers payments. Telephone 13 27 17.
If you have one, see your solicitor. If you do not, contact the Law Institute of Victoria's Legal Referral Service, telephone 9607 9550. You can also contact Victoria Legal Aid on 9269 0234 or 1800 677 402 (country callers) or visit www.legalaid.vic.gov.au
Local councils provide a range of community and in-home services, including foster care for children, meals on wheels, housekeepers and respite care. Telephone your council (the White Pages).
The Office of the Public Advocate can help with information about enduring power of attorney. Telephone 1800 136 829 or visit
www.publicadvocate.vic.gov.au
Palliative Care Victoria provides information about palliative care and hospice facilities and services. Telephone 9662 9644.
The Royal District Nursing Service provides care to people with terminal illness in their own home and advice and support for family and carers. Telephone 9536 5222.
Your local council can tell you about services available in your area. Telephone your council (listed by council name in the White Pages). Your local palliative care group or hospital social worker will also be able to advise you.
