I’ve just been diagnosed with cancer, and I would like to know what support is available near me.
A diagnosis of cancer can be overwhelming, and if you have never had any experience with cancer before, it’s hard to know where to start. This is why we’ve created an online cancer services guide known as ‘My Cancer Guide.’ This online guide includes links to over 450 cancer support services across Victoria and enables people to search for appropriate services based on the type of support needed, where they live and the type of cancer they have. My Cancer Guide also provides information to help people make informed choices about the services they engage with and education to help navigate the healthcare system. This guide aims to help you find the support you need and complements the cancer support and information services provided by our 13 11 20 cancer nurses. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, just call us on 13 11 20 and we can help.
What is the best way to talk to my children about my cancer diagnosis?
Talking to children about cancer can feel overwhelming. Children are observant, they are likely to pick up if something is wrong, so in most cases, the best approach is to be open and honest and provide them with age-appropriate information. For support, you can call our cancer nurses on 13 11 20 or visit our website and download our Talking to Kids About Cancer booklet to learn more.
My partner/friend has just been diagnosed with cancer and I’m caring for them. What support is available for people like me?
Cancer Council Victoria provides support to carers of people at all stages of cancer. You can call our cancer nurses on 13 11 20 for emotional and practical support. We often talk to carers about the importance of caring for themselves first, so they can care more effectively for others.
You can access support through Family Connect, our one-to-one confidential phone support service for family and friends of someone with a cancer diagnosis. You can also ask us about joining a support group for carers.