Cancer care and your rights

If you have just been diagnosed with cancer, it’s important to understand what to reasonably expect from the health care system and your treatment team. This knowledge can help you work with your health care providers and actively participate in your care.

Cancer Care and your rights book
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Key questions about your health care rights

Patients in Australia have certain rights and responsibilities when accessing health care. Understanding them can lead to better health outcomes.

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Navigating the health care system

Health care systems can be complicated, especially when you're managing the physical, emotional, and financial effects of cancer.

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Your health care team

Doctors, nurses and other health professionals offer a range of services to assist you, your family and carers.

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Making treatment decisions

Whether you have just been diagnosed with cancer or have cancer that has spread or come back, you will have to make a number of decisions about your treatment.

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Protecting your health information

Health professionals gather detailed information about you and your treatment. While receiving care, you have the right to privacy and confidentiality.

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Health care complaints

You have the right to give feedback or make a complaint about your health care, and to receive a prompt response.

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Insurance, financial and workplace issues

Learn about the insurance, financial and workplace issues that may be relevant to people with cancer.

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Rights of carers

Knowing your rights as a carer can help you deal with the treatment team, and make medical and financial decisions.

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Support and information

These websites are good sources of support and information.

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Print these questions

Choosing a specialist

  • Have you treated a lot of people with this type of cancer?
  • Do you practise in the public or private system, or both?
  • Do you specialise in treating this type of cancer? If not, could you recommend someone who does?
  • Do you work in a multidisciplinary team? Who else is in the team?
  • I’m thinking of getting a second opinion. Can you recommend anyone?

Treatment choice, side effects and informed consent

  • What are my treatment options? What is the aim of each treatment?
  • What treatment do you recommend? What is the expected outcome?
  • Are there other treatments that you aren’t recommending? Why?
  • What should I expect if I don’t have treatment?
  • How long will treatment take? Will I have to stay in hospital?
  • If this particular treatment does not work, are there other options?
  • What is the likely success rate of any surgery or treatment?
  • What are the risks and possible side effects of each treatment?
  • What is the chance that these complications or side effects will occur?
  • What will be done to prevent these side effects?
  • Are the side effects immediate, temporary or long-lasting?
  • What follow-up care can I expect after treatment?
  • Will I need to take medicines long-term after treatment?
  • What is advance care planning? Who can help me with this?

Financial impacts and complaints

  • Are there any out-of-pocket costs not covered by Medicare or my private health cover?
  • Can the cost be reduced if I can’t afford it?
  • Will I be able to work while having treatment?
  • Who can I talk to if I have concerns about my care?

Podcast: Coping with a Cancer Diagnosis

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