How COVID-19 has impacted our information and support services

The ongoing impacts of COVID-19 across the globe continue to be challenging for everyone, but Cancer Council is working hard to maintain our support of those affected by cancer.

Firstly, we hope you, your family and loved ones are safe and taking the necessary precautions to protect yourself and look after each other.

If you are living with cancer, COVID-19 may have changed your circumstances, or increased your anxiety during what is already a very difficult time in your life. We want you to know that we are here to help.

Cancer Council NSW is following current NSW Health advice to minimise risk for you, our staff and our volunteers and we are continuing to support people affected by cancer in many ways. These include providing emergency financial assistance, help with travelling to cancer treatment, and somewhere to stay during your cancer treatment. Of course, we are also continuing to provide emotional support.

If you have questions about cancer, please call our 13 11 20 Information and Support line  or access our  Cancer Council Online Community to connect with others in a similar situation. [AM1]  Our 13 11 20 Information and Support line is open Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm, and calls are free and confidential.

As always, our Understanding Cancer booklets, The Thing About Cancer podcasts and survivorship webinars are available to download free from our website.

In line with current NSW Health advice about social distancing, all face-to-face Cancer Counselling or Financial Counselling services will be replaced with telephone or video calls . Clients connected to a professional service provider via our Pro Bono program will have to follow the requirements of the provider around attending appointments, and in some circumstances assistance may be provided by professionals via telephone, video call or email. Cancer Council has advised all Cancer Support Groups to follow the current NSW Health advice. 

Unfortunately, we have had to postpone all upcoming ENRICHing Survivorship programs, however, we encourage survivors and their carers to seek online support by visiting our Survivorship Living with and Beyond Cancer forum on the Cancer Council Online Community. For the time being, our Cancer Council Information Services in hospitals and treatment centres are closed.

As the COVID-19 situation and corresponding health advice continues to develop, we will monitor and review these decisions where necessary.

Once again, if you have any questions or concerns about cancer and COVID-19, or would just like to talk to someone about your situation, please call us on 13 11 20 or email 131120@nswcc.org.au.