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Cancer, work and you


Where to find 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 and resources

Australian Human Rights Commission
1300 369 711

Receives complaints about discrimination and bullying in the workplace, and acts to promote fairness.

Cancer Council
13 11 20
Call 13 14 50 for a translator

Cancer Council may be able to refer you to a lawyer, financial adviser, HR professional or small business accountant for advice. The service is free for eligible people and may differ depending on where you live.
Cancer Council Online Community A safe online place for people affected by cancer and their carers to connect about treatment and survivorship.
Cancer Council’s podcast series The Thing about Cancer, The Thing About Advanced Cancer and Finding Calm During Cancer offer information and insights for anyone affected by cancer and their carers.
Carer Gateway
1800 422 737
Links carers to local support services such as emergency respite care, counselling and peer support groups. Offers practical information, resources and support packages for carers.
Services Australia Information and support for people with cancer and their carers, as well as help finding or keeping a job. Links to Medicare and Centrelink.
State and territory law societies The law society in your state or territory can help you find a lawyer in your local area.
Legal aid and community legal centres Provide free legal advice to eligible people. Contact legal aid or the community legal centre in your state or territory to find out what assistance may be available to you.
Fair Work Commission
1300 799 675
National workplace tribunal that helps resolve issues at work, and bullying and unfair dismissal claims. Offers free legal advice for eligible people through the Workplace Advice Service.
Fair Work Ombudsman
13 13 94
Information on pay, National Employment Standards, leave, termination/dismissal and complaints.
JobAccess
1800 464 800
Employment information and assistance for people with a disability, including cancer. The Employment Assistance Fund helps with work related equipment, modifications and services.
An employment rights community legal centre helping Victorian, Queensland and Tasmanian workers with their rights at work.
1800 800 110
Provides support and services for people under 65 years of age with a permanent and significant disability.
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner
1300 363 992
National body investigating privacy infringements and handling privacy complaints.
Safe Work Australia National body providing information about work hazards, safety, regulations and compensation.
Work after Cancer Australian information about working during and after cancer treatment or changing work.

 

Cancer, Work and You

Download our Cancer, Work and You booklet to learn more and find support.

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Expert content reviewers:

Brooke Russell, Principal Occupational Therapist, WA Cancer Occupational Therapy, WA; Bianca Alessi, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council SA; Dr Prunella Blinman, Medical Oncologist, Concord Cancer Centre, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, NSW; James Chirgwin, Physiotherapist, The Wesley Hospital, QLD; Danielle Curnoe, Consumer; Simon Gates, Barrister, Tasmanian Bar, TAS; Justin Hargreaves, Medical Oncology Nurse Practitioner, Bendigo Health Cancer Centre, VIC; Kaylene Jacques, Director, People and Communications, Cancer Council NSW; Alex Kelly, Senior People Attraction Advisor, Human Resources, Allianz Australia Insurance, NSW; Legal reviewer; Georgina Lohse, Social Worker, GV Health, VIC; Lesley McQuire, Consumer, Cancer Voices NSW.

Page last updated:

The information on this webpage was adapted from Cancer, Work and You (2023 edition). This webpage was last updated in July 2023. 

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