Resources

Cancer Council NSW has many resources and programs that can help you during your cancer journey.

Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20

Cancer Council Helpline is a confidential support and information service, which offers:

  • A member of a multidisciplinary team of cancer health professionals who can answer any questions arising across the continuum of the cancer journey
  • The questions topics that can be covered include risk factors, early detection, screening, prevention, diagnosis, treatments, side effects and end of life care
  • A confidential service for the cost of a local call from anywhere in NSW
  • An email service if you'd prefer to email your question. Click here to access the form to send your questions.

The Helpline is staffed Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. Outside these hours you can leave a message and we will call you back.

Telephone Interpreter Service 13 14 50

The Cancer Council NSW Helpline is available in 120 languages and dialects - via the national Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS). For the cost of a local call simply follow these steps:

  1. Call 13 14 50 (Translation & Interpreting Service)
  2. Request your language (If you can say it in English it is easier, but if you can’t the interpreter will work it out)
  3. Hold the line for an interpreter (from 30 seconds to 3 minutes)
  4. Tell the interpreter to contact the Cancer Council NSW
  5. The interpreter and the Helpline will talk together with you on the same phone line

Booklets and online cancer information

  • Support and information pack - A free pack of information for people recently diagnosed with cancer. Available from your doctor or treatment centre or by phoning the Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20.
  • Understanding Cancer series - Our free booklets and brochures offer easy-to-read information about many types of cancer. They cover treatments and strategies to improve quality of life. Available in hard copy or to download from the web site.
  • Cancer Answers - An online question-and-answer information tool about cancer types, diagnosis, treatment and support. Click here to visit Cancer Answers.
  • Cancer services directory - Lists all cancer-related health services in NSW, based on regional areas, so it helps you locate local services. Click here to visit.

Support services

Cancer Council NSW facilitates a number of support services for people affected by cancer including:

  • Peer support or one-on-one support - Cancer Council Connect can match you to a trained volunteer who has had a similar type of cancer and is a similar age. Click here for more info.
  • Support groups - Cancer Council NSW can put you in touch with local support groups who offer both practical and emotional support at all stages of the cancer journey. Click here for more info.
  • Telephone support groups - These groups, which are run by trained facilitators, allow people to come together over the phone rather than face to face. Click here for more info.

Understanding Cancer program

Cancer Council NSW offers a free community education program for people affected by cancer, their families and carers. The program is run throughout NSW and covers topics including treatment options, side effects, emotional issues, diet and support services. Click here for info on the next programs.

Cancer Information Library

Based at the Sydney office of Cancer Council NSW, the library has books, journals, DVDs and videos that you can borrow in person or by post. Click here to learn more.