Living with advanced cancer

This section is for people who have advanced cancer. This means the cancer has spread from the original (primary) site or has come back (recurred). You can find trustworthy information about all aspects of your experience below.

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What is advanced cancer?

Learn how cancer starts and spreads, and what advanced cancer means.

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Key questions

Learn the answers to common questions about advanced cancer, such as what treatments are available and what to expect in the future?

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The emotional impact

Learn about the common reactions to being diagnosed with advanced cancer, ways to manage your emotions and coping with feelings of uncertainty.

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The people in your life

Advanced cancer can be difficult for the people close to you. You may need help with how to talk to friends or family, or communicating your changing needs.

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Treating advanced cancer

It can be difficult to decide which treatment is best, and weigh up the benefits or impacts it may have. Learn about the aim of treatment for advanced cancer and the different options available to you.

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Managing symptoms

Learn about some common symptoms of advanced cancer - including fatigue, sleeping problems, loss of appetite, pain, shortness of breath - and ways to manage these.

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Looking ahead

We explain the practical, medical and legal issues you may want to think about when you’re told the cancer is advanced.

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Support and information

There are many options for assistance - from cancer information and counselling, to practical things like home help and legal services.

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Information for carers

Caring for a person with advanced cancer can feel overwhelming and you'll probably have many questions and concerns. There is help available and strategies to help you cope.

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Print these questions

Diagnosis

  • What type of cancer do I have?
  • What stage is my cancer?
  • How far has the cancer spread? How fast is it growing?
  • What is my prognosis? Do I need to have any more tests? If so, what will the tests involve?
  • How long am I likely to live? What are the usual survival times for people with this type of cancer?

Treatment

  • What treatment do you suggest and why? How often will I need to have it? Will it affect my quality of life?
  • Are there any other effective treatment options for me? If not, why not?
  • What is the treatment goal? To control the cancer, or to relieve symptoms?
  • Are there any clinical trials I can join?
  • Are there any complementary therapies that might help?
  • If I don’t have treatment, what can I expect? Will it affect my quality of life?

Side effects

  • What treatment do you suggest for any pain or discomfort?
  • Are there any symptoms I should look out for and tell someone about?
  • What are the risks and possible side effects of each treatment?

Palliative care

  • What support options are available to me? Where can I get palliative care?
  • Can I call the palliative care team at any time?
  • Does the palliative care team inform my GP and other specialists about my care?
  • Do I have to pay for any palliative care services?
  • Can you help me talk to my family about what is happening?

Podcast for people affected by advanced cancer

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This information was last updated in December 2025. See who reviewed the content.

All updated content has been clinically reviewed by Dr Lucy Gately, Medical Oncologist, Alfred Health and Walter and Eliza Institute for Medical Research, VIC and Penny Neller, Project Manager, End of Life Law for Clinicians, Australian Centre for Health Law Research, Queensland University of Technology, QLD. This edition is based on the previous edition, which was reviewed by the following panel: Dr Lucy Gately (see above); Dr Katherine Allsopp, Supportive and Palliative Care Specialist, Westmead Hospital, NSW; Prof Megan Best, The University of Notre Dame Australia and The University of Sydney, NSW; Dr Keiron Bradley, Palliative Care Consultant, Medical Director Palliative Care Program, Bethesda Health Care, WA; Craig Brewer, Consumer; Emeritus Professor Phyllis Butow, Psychologist, The University of Sydney and Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Louise Durham, Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner Outpatients, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Metro South Palliative Care, QLD; Dr Roya Merie, Radiation Oncologist, Icon Cancer Centre, Concord, NSW; Penny Neller (see above); Caitriona Nienaber, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council WA; Xanthe Sansome, Program Director, Advance Care Planning Australia, VIC; Sparke Helmore Lawyers; Peter Spolc, Consumer.

View the Cancer Council NSW editorial policy.