Established in 2021 through support from the Victorian Government, our ACCESS Program is providing supportive care when people need it the most.
The program was established to help the healthcare sector respond to increased demand for supportive care screening, and psychological and practical support services during the height of the pandemic.
Clinical Nurse Specialist in the Loddon Malle region, Janaya Dwyer
“Since its inception we have had a 415 per cent increase in referrals from health professionals as well as a 71 per cent growth in connections to our 13 11 20 support line,” said Cancer Council Victoria’s Head of Strategy and Support, Danielle Spence.
“We’ve redirected resourcing into the support services most in demand, including help to manage the cost of cancer via our financial counselling program, as well as expanding our nurse counselling and psychological support services.
“Thanks to this investment, we’ve increased the number of Victorians receiving support for financial counselling by 254 per cent and psychological support by 330 per cent since 2021.”
Rachel found the 13 11 20 support line very helpful
A cancer diagnosis will often come as a shock and many people are unaware of where to turn to for support. Too often people call our 13 11 20 support line saying they wish they’d heard about it sooner.
During the year we ran our ‘You’re Not Alone’ campaign in rural and regional Victoria, and distributed patient resources to health services to help increase awareness and encourage people to call 13 11 20.
33-year-old Rachel from regional Victoria was 19 weeks pregnant when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She called Cancer Council’s 13 11 20 support line when she began to struggle emotionally after her treatment had ended.
“Not only was the cancer nurse helpful during those conversations, but I still refer to the information and resources she provided me over the phone and email. It’s been very helpful. I felt better after each conversation and I thought; 'Right, I can do this',” Rachel said.
“I’d absolutely recommend 13 11 20 to anyone going through cancer as well as their family members.”
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