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Cancer and COVID-19

Cancer and COVID-19

Get the facts on all things cancer and COVID-19

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Global supplies of contrast have been affected due to COVID-19, which may impact some cancer scans. Supplies are expected to return to normal by mid-June.
This year, for the first time, Australia will be managing COVID-19 and an influenza season. It is very important that you protect yourself by vaccinating against both COVID-19 and influenza.
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 might also need to discuss temporary changes to your treatment.
COVID-19 vaccination for patients with cancer is highly recommended. It protects you against becoming very sick if you get COVID-19.

It is recommended to have a primary COVID-19 vaccination course followed by booster doses. For patients with blood cancer and most cancer patients on active therapy, three primary doses are recommended followed by booster doses.
While these vaccines have been developed faster than ever before, none of the steps in safety testing have been skipped.
People with cancer are at no greater risk of side effects from the COVID-19 vaccines than anyone else.
None of the vaccines contain the live virus. This means they cannot give you COVID-19.
People with cancer who contract COVID-19 are twice as likely to have severe symptoms and require hospital treatment.

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, COVID-19 & You Survey

Share your experiences of cancer during COVID-19.

Your COVID-19 action plan

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

COVID-19 vaccines

Download our COVID-19 vaccine fact sheet for people affected by cancer. Read more

Temporary IV contrast shortage

Information about the current temporary global shortage of contrast, which may impact some cancer scans. Read more

COVID-19 and your health

Learn how COVID-19 can affect your health, cancer treatment and more.

Don't delay

People with signs of cancer, may not be contacting their GPs to discuss new symptoms.

Hospital visitor restrictions

Practical tips and advice for patients and carers

Telehealth for patients and carers

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

Our support services and COVID-19

Find updates on our support services at this time.

Information in other languages

Up-to-date information on COVID-19 and cancer in 12 different languages.

Smoking and COVID-19

Learn about risk factors, complications and more from Quit Victoria.

COVID-19 for health professionals

Learn about cancer and COVID-19, and support services for your patients.

Keep up to date

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

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Questions about cancer?

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

Contact a cancer nurse

Cancer information
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  - What is cancer?
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Managing daily life
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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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  - Learning to relax
    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.
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    Learn about cancer and COVID-19, and updates about our support services.
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    Speak to our trusted and compassionate cancer nurses on 13 11 20 or via email.
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    Information on dealing with, planning for and looking after somone at the end of life.
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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 Victorian Aboriginal communities.
Prevention
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    Convincing evidence links obesity to various cancers.
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  - Eat a healthy diet
    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
  - Quit smoking
    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.
- Workplaces
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Research
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    Get the latest cancer research news.
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    Find out how we help patients access clinical trials.
- Search our research
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    Search the vast number of projects we've been involved in over the years.
- Meet our researchers
  - Meet our researchers
    Team of researchers who have expanded our understanding of cancer.
- Our Forgotten Cancers Program
  - Our Forgotten Cancers Program
    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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  - Research integrity
    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
- Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer
- Cancer Epidemiology Division
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    A gift of hope for generations to come.
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    Learn more about philanthropy at Cancer Council Victoria.
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    There are many ways corporates can support our work.
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    Create a lasting space to remember your loved one or give in memory.
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    Give a cancer patient some time away in your holiday home.
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    Cancer Council's online store offers ultimate sun protection solutions.
Health professionals
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- Cancer and COVID-19
  - Cancer and COVID-19
    Learn about cancer and COVID-19, and support services for your patients.
- News
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    Read our latest news for health professionals.
- Cancer support referral
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    Request a call back from a cancer nurse for one of your patients or carers.
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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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- Clinical practice guides
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    Medical guides for specific cancers.
- Financial and legal referrals
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    To support nutritional management of oncology patients.
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    Free, short-term phone counselling service to help your patients.
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    Our Melbourne-based retail shop is now permanently closed. To purchase our products, visit www.cancercouncilshop.org.au.
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