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Cancer Support in Australia

A cancer diagnosis changes everything. But you dont have to navigate it alone. Australia has world-class cancer support — from free information lines staffed by specialist nurses to practical help with transport, finances, and emotional support.

Key Support Services

Cancer Council — 13 11 20

Your first call. Free, confidential support from specially trained staff including nurses. Questions about diagnosis, treatment, side effects, plus local support services, counselling, transport, accommodation, and financial assistance.

Cancer Council 13 11 20Mon–Fri 9am–5pmFree

cancer.org.au

Canteen (ages 12–25)

Support for young people dealing with cancer — their own or a family member's. Counselling, peer support, online communities, camps.

Canteen 1800 835 932Mon–Fri 9am–5pm

Cancer Council Practical Support

Varies by state: free transport to treatment, accommodation for rural patients, wig service, financial assistance, legal and workplace support. Call 13 11 20 for your area.

After Diagnosis

1. Understand your diagnosis. Write questions before your specialist appointment. Cancer Council 13 11 20 can help you prepare.

2. Tell your GP. Your GP coordinates ongoing care, manages side effects, mental health, and allied health referrals.

3. Look into financial support. Centrelink sickness allowance, Cancer Council financial assistance, pharmaceutical safety net.

4. Don't ignore your mental health. Depression and anxiety affect up to 1 in 3 people with cancer. It's treatable.

The Mental Health Connection

Chronic conditions significantly increase risk of depression and anxiety. If you're struggling emotionally, these free screening tools can help.

Take the DASS-21 Take the K10 Get a Mental Health Plan

AskMyGP

Free Australian health tools & information

What am I eligible for? How Medicare works Prepare for your GP visit What to bring to your appointment More free tools at askmygp.com.au →

Information only, not medical advice.

Common Questions About Cancer Support

Is Cancer Council 13 11 20 free to call?

Yes, calling 13 11 20 costs the same as a local call from a landline, and is free from most mobile plans. The line is staffed by health professionals, including oncology nurses, who can discuss diagnosis, treatment side effects, and connect you with local support services.

What financial help is available during cancer treatment?

Support varies by state but commonly includes fuel and accommodation subsidies for regional patients travelling for treatment (via the Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme or equivalent), Centrelink's Sickness Allowance or JobSeeker if unable to work, and charitable grants through Cancer Council and CanTeen. Ask your hospital social worker what applies in your state.

Can I get a free wig during chemotherapy?

Cancer Council operates a free wig service in most states, and some public hospitals have an on-site wig library. Availability and style range vary by location — your treatment centre's social worker or Cancer Council 13 11 20 can point you to the nearest service.

What support exists for children of a parent with cancer?

CanTeen provides free, specialised support for young people aged 12–25 who have a parent, sibling, or who are themselves affected by cancer, including counselling, peer support camps, and online communities. For younger children, Canteen and some Cancer Council services offer age-appropriate resources to help explain a parent's diagnosis.

How do I find out about clinical trials for my cancer type?

Start by asking your oncologist — they generally know which trials are running at your own treatment centre. For a broader search, the Australian Government's Australian Cancer Trials website lists trials nationwide, drawing on the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry. Participation is voluntary, free, and you can withdraw at any time without affecting your standard care.

Should I see a genetic counsellor if cancer runs in my family?

If you have a strong family history of cancer (multiple close relatives, cancer at a young age, or certain cancer types like ovarian or male breast cancer), ask your GP about a referral to a family cancer clinic. These public clinics assess your personal risk and can arrange genetic testing where appropriate — you don't need a cancer diagnosis yourself to be referred.