13 11 20: we’re here for everyone affected by cancer

Cervical cancer survivor Bridget Montague recalls feeling overwhelmed with anxiety that her cancer could return after her final operation. But a phone call to 13 11 20 made a significant difference.

“I rang Cancer Council’s 13 11 20 Information and Support line after seeing the number on the [Cervical Cancer] information booklet,” she says.

“I reached out and the health professional who took my call listened to my concerns and navigated me to supportive care services like counselling which helped me cope. It would be a completely different story if I hadn’t reached out. That support was lifesaving.”

Our free and confidential 13 11 20 service is here for people like Bridget who have been affected by cancer, from someone dealing with a cancer diagnosis to those supporting a loved one through their experience.

Cancer affects everyone in different ways. You may feel a rollercoaster of emotions, including shock and worry about what it means for your way of life. You may be concerned about cancer treatment options and their side effects. Perhaps you’re anxious about the financial impacts on you and your family.

During this time, it’s crucial to get reliable information and the right kind of support that may not always be available in the wider community.

It would be a completely different story if I hadn’t reached out. That support was lifesaving.”

— Bridget Montague

Our team of health professionals can answer your cancer questions, listen to your concerns, and direct you to supportive care services that will help you cope with your situation. These include:

• emotional support if you or someone you care about has cancer
• how to prevent cancer
• questions about early detection
• cancer diagnosis
• how to cope with treatment and its side effects
• practical support that is available to anyone affected by cancer
• end of life issues.

Support goes beyond a phone call with us.

We’ll also connect you to local support services and community-based groups where you can talk to someone who has been through a similar experience.

You don’t have to be experiencing cancer directly to call 13 11 20. Our service is available to anyone, including members of the public concerned about cancer risk, family members, colleagues, friends, and health professionals.

We are open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. You can leave a message outside of these hours and we’ll contact you the next business day.