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Cancer and COVID-19

Get the facts on all things cancer and COVID-19

This year, for the first time, Australia is managing COVID-19 and an influenza season. It's very important to protect yourself by keeping up with your COVID-19 vaccines and getting a flu shot.
People with cancer who contract COVID-19 are twice as likely to have severe symptoms and require hospital treatment. Vaccination against COVID-19 is therefore highly recommended.
For most cancer patients on active therapy, it is recommended to have a primary COVID-19 vaccination course of three primary doses followed by booster doses.
While these vaccines have been developed faster than ever before, none of the steps in safety testing have been skipped.

If you test positive to COVID-19, let your treating team know as soon as possible, as you may be eligible for COVID-19 treatments. You may need to discuss temporary changes to your cancer treatment.
If you are worried about any symptoms, contact your GP. In an emergency, call Triple Zero 000.
While these may feel like uncertain times, regular check-ups, including follow up care, are important to maintain.
Delaying appointments could mean you present later with more complicated and progressed cancer, making treatment options more challenging.
Health care settings are putting measures in place to reduce your risk of infection and ensure you are protected. This includes having appointments with your doctors remotely via telehealth.

13 11 20 cancer support

If you’re affected by cancer and COVID-19, you’re not alone. Contact our trusted and compassionate cancer nurses on 13 11 20 or via email.

Latest news

Read updates, stories and advice about cancer and COVID-19. Read more

Cancer and COVID-19 FAQs

Wednesday 20 July 2022

Answers to common questions about COVID-19, vaccines and impact on cancer treatment.

Your COVID-19 action plan

Preparing for COVID-19, testing, and what to do if you test positive.

COVID-19 vaccines

The latest advice on COVID-19 vaccines for people affected by cancer. Read more

Telehealth for patients and carers

Learn how to get the most out of your telehealth consultation.

Hospital visitor restrictions

Monday 2 May 2022

Practical tips and advice for patients and carers impacted by hospital visitor restrictions.

COVID-19 and your health

Learn how COVID-19 can affect your health and cancer treatment, and where to find support.

COVID-19 and smoking

Answers to commonly asked questions about COVID-19 and smoking from Quit Victoria.

Information in other languages

Helpful information and resources on COVID-19 and cancer in different languages.

Keep up to date

Receive updates about our events, resources, and cancer news and information.

COVID-19 for health professionals

Free resources and information to support your patients impacted by cancer and COVID-19.

Questions about cancer?

Call or email our experienced cancer nurses for information and support.

Contact a cancer nurse

Cancer information
- Cancer information
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Managing daily life
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    It is normal to experience a range of emotions when you have cancer.
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    Grief is the process of responding to loss and it can affect all parts of your life.
- Nutrition
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    Eating well is beneficial during and after cancer treatment.
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    Being diagnosed with cancer while you are pregnant is rare, but it can happen.
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    Cancer may affect the role sexuality and intimacy play in your life.
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    Coping with cancer is challenging and it is important to look after yourself.
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    Tips to help you make the most of special occasions and manage holidays.
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    You may continue to face challenges even after cancer treatment has ended.
Get support
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- Cancer and COVID-19
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    Learn about cancer and COVID-19, and updates about our support services.
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    A guide to support services available to Victorians affected by cancer.
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    Cancer information and support services for LGBTIQ+ communities.
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    Cancer information and support services for Victorian Aboriginal communities.
Prevention
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    Convincing evidence links obesity to various cancers.
- Eat a healthy diet
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    We recommend a healthy body weight, regular exercise and a healthy diet.
- Be SunSmart
  - Be SunSmart
    It's preventable but nearly 2,000 Australians die of skin cancer each year.
- Quit smoking
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    Each year 15,000 Australians are diagnosed with smoking-related cancer.
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    Evidence links physical activity to reduced breast and colon cancer risk.
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Research
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    Search the vast number of projects we've been involved in over the years.
- Meet our researchers
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    Team of researchers who have expanded our understanding of cancer.
- Our Forgotten Cancers Program
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    Improving survival for less common and low survival cancers.
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    Learn about our research ethics and research practice guidelines.
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    Principles for the responsible and ethical conduct of research.
- McCabe Centre for Law & Cancer
  - McCabe Centre for Law & Cancer
    Find out how we use the law to prevent cancer and to protect people affected by it.
- Victorian Cancer Registry
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    Cancer Council's online store offers ultimate sun protection solutions.
Health professionals
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- Cancer and COVID-19
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    Learn about cancer and COVID-19, and support services for your patients.
- News
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- Cancer support referral
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  - Optimal Care Pathways
    The Optimal Care Pathways (formerly Patient Management Frameworks) were developed to provide a consistent statewide approach to care management in each tumour stream.
- ACCESS Program
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    A program to improve access to supportive care for people affected by cancer.
- Clinical Network
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    Network of specialist health care professionals.
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- Financial and legal referrals
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- Resources for dietitians
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    To support nutritional management of oncology patients.
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