Cancer and work

Getting help and support

Support is available from a wide range of organisations and health professionals. Get in touch with Cancer Council 13 11 20 and other relevant organisations, or talk to your general practitioner (GP), oncology doctors, nurses, social workers and other health professionals.

Useful organisations
Australian Human Rights Commission
1300 656 419		 Receives complaints about discrimination and bullying in the workplace, and promotes fairness.
Cancer and Careers US website providing information for employed people with cancer.
Cancer and Work  Canadian website providing information about working after a diagnosis of cancer and returning to work
Cancer Council Legal, Financial, Small Business and Workplace Referral Services
13 11 20		 Program that can connect people affected by cancer with a legal, financial or workplace professional (or in some states to a small business accountant). Advice is free for eligible clients.
Cancer Council Online Community A safe place for people affected by cancer to connect about treatment, carers’ issues and survivorship.
Cancer Council’s podcast series The Thing about Cancer, Cancer Council’s podcast series, provides information and insights for anyone affected by cancer.
Carer Gateway
1800 422 737		 A national service providing practical information and resources for carers, and links with local support services, including respite care.
Carers Australia
1800 242 636		 National body representing Australia’s carers. Provides information, advice, support and short-term counselling.
Centrelink
132 717		 Offers financial support for people with a long-term illness and for primary carers.
Department of Human Services Provides financial support and assistance to help people with cancer to find and keep a job.
Fair Work Commission
1300 799 675		 The national workplace tribunal. Can also hear workplace bullying claims.
Fair Work Ombudsman
13 13 94		 Information on pay, National Employment Standards, leave, termination/dismissal and complaints.
JobAccess
1800 464 800
Provides information and assistance to support the employment of people with disability, including cancer. Administers the Employment Assistance Fund to help with work-related equipment, modifications and services for employees with disability.
1800 800 110
Provides supports and services for people with a permanent and significant disability.
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner
1300 363 992		 National body investigating privacy infringements and handling privacy complaints.
Work after Cancer Information about working during and after cancer treatment.

Expert content reviewers:

Kerryann White, Manager, People and Culture, Cancer Council SA; Nicola Martin, Principal, McCabe Curwood, NSW; Jane Auchettl, Coordinator, Education and Training Programs, Cancer Council Victoria; Craig Brewer, Consumer; Alana Cochrane, Human Resources Business Partner, Greater Bank Newcastle, NSW; Shona Gates, Senior Social Worker, North West Cancer Centre, North West Regional Hospital, TAS; Dianne Head, Cancer Nurse Coordinator, Metastatic Breast Cancer, Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre Westmead, NSW; Alex Kelly, Talent Acquisition Business Partner, Aon, NSW; Prof Bogda Koczwara AM, Senior Staff Specialist, Department of Medical Oncology, Flinders Medical Centre, SA; Sharyn McGowan, Occupational Therapist, Bendigo Health, VIC; Jeanne Potts, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council Victoria; Michelle Smerdon, Legal and Financial Support Services Manager, Cancer Council NSW.

Download PDF Order FREE booklet 

Talking bubbles icon

Questions about cancer?

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

Contact a cancer nurse