Support directory
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Information and advocacy
Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre (03) 9656 1111 www.petermac.org/cancersurvivorship Information for those who have successfully completed cancer treatment. Australian Youth Against Cancer www.australianyouthagainstcancer.org.au Focusing on the challenges facing older teenagers and young adults with cancer, the website contains many personal stories. Camp Quality (02) 9876 0500 www.campquality.org.au Runs family camps, kids’ camps, camps for teens, fun days, parent retreats and more. Can Assist (02) 8217 3400 www.canassist.com.au Provides assistance to people with cancer who live in rural New South Wales. Cancer Australia www.canceraustralia.gov.au The Australian government’s national cancer agency, providing consumer support and information. Cancer Council Australia 13 11 20 (Cancer Council Helpline) www.cancer.org.au The Cancer Council is a comprehensive source of information, advice and support. Website details for the state and territory Cancer Councils appear below; to contact your local Cancer Council just call 13 11 20. Cancer Council ACT www.actcancer.org Cancer Council New South Wales www.cancercouncil.com.au Cancer Council Northern Territory www.cancercouncilnt.com.au Cancer Council Queensland www.cancerqld.org.au Cancer Council SA www.cancersa.org.au Cancer Council Tasmania www.cancertas.org.au Cancer Council Victoria www.cancervic.org.au Cancer Council Western Australia www.cancerwa.asn.au Cancer Learning - Survivorship www.cancersurvivorship.net.au Cancer Voices Australia (02) 8063 4191 www.cancervoicesaustralia.org.au A volunteer organisation that serves as a consumer advocate for people living with cancer. Go to the website to link to local branches in the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia. CanTeen 1800 226 833 www.canteen.org.au The Australian organisation for young people aged between 12 and 24 who have cancer or have a family member with cancer. Challenge (03) 9329 8474 www.challenge.org.au Provides camps, hospital support, parent support, respite and holiday accommodation for families who have a child with cancer. The Gawler Foundation (03) 5967 1730 www.gawler.org The Gawler Foundation was established in 1983 as a non-profit organisation to provide innovative and integrated support and lifestyle programs to people affected by cancer. Livewire www.livewire.org.au A free social networking site for people aged 10 to 21 who have a serious illness. Now What www.nowwhat.org.au An information source and online community for young people who have cancer or who know someone with cancer. Run by CanTeen. Redkite 1300 722 644 (counselling) 1800 334 771 (general inquiries) www.redkite.org.au Redkite supports children, young people and their families through cancer by providing real and practical support through the cancer journey – from the very moment of diagnosis, throughout treatment and when families return home to their community. Redkite’s vital services include emotional, financial and educational support for the whole family. The Warwick Foundation 03 9826 6197 www.thewarwickfoundation.org.au The Warwick Foundation supports young adults with cancer aged 18 to 40, with a particular emphasis on their social and emotional wellbeing. They provide peer support, age-appropriate information and referrals to appropriate organisations, as well as extra services including luxury getaways to give respite from treatment, special events to spoil and pamper and small ‘wishes.’ Government services Breast Prostheses Program The Australian government has committed $31 million over five years to provide a reimbursement of up to $400 for both new and replacement external breast prostheses for Australian women who have had a mastectomy as a result of breast cancer. The program aims to ensure national consistency in the provision of support towards the cost of external breast prostheses. For more information go to: www.medicareaustralia.gov.au and follow the links to For individuals and families > Services and programs > External breast prostheses reimbursement program. Centrelink 13 27 17 (Disability, sickness and carers) www.centrelink.gov.au For information about services and payments provided to members of the community including people with cancer and their carers. Department of Families, Housing and Community Services and Indigenous Affairs 1300 653 227 www.fahcsia.gov.au For information about services and payments for carers and for people disabled by cancer. Fairwork Australia 13 13 94 (Fairwork Infoline) www.fairwork.gov.au For information on workplace rights and responsibilities, both for people living with cancer and their carers. Medicare 132 011 www.medicareaustralia.gov.au For information about the services provided by the national health program. Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) 1800 020 613 www.pbs.gov.au Information about the PBS including details of the medicines subsidised by the Australian government. Regional Cancer Centres Regional Cancer Centres will help improve access and support for cancer patients in rural, regional and remote Australia, to help close the gap in cancer outcomes between the city and country. Twenty-one Regional Cancer Centre projects have been approved, but none are yet operational. For more information, including updates on when these centres will be operational, go to www.health.gov.au and follow the links to Programs & campaigns > Programs & initiativesthen search for the topic ‘cancer’. Support services CONTINENCE Bladder and Bowel Website 1800 33 00 66 www.bladderbowel.gov.au A government-run website with advice on living with bladder problems and bowel problems. Continence Foundation of Australia 1800 33 00 66 www.continence.org.au The national peak body promoting bladder and bowel health. National Public Toilet Map www.toiletmap.gov.au The National Continence Management Strategy is behind this register of public toilets in every state and territory. Look up the website and plot your journey in advance or download the free app from iTunes. EMOTIONAL ISSUES Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 www.beyondblue.org.au The website run by the national depression initiative offers insights and information about depression and how to handle it. Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 www.kidshelp.com.au Phone counselling for kids and young adults aged from five to 25. Lifeline 13 11 14 www.lifeline.org.au Lifeline runs a 24-hour phone line for anyone who wants to talk through issues of anxiety, depression, stress and even suicidal thoughts. Lifeline can refer callers to mental health support services where necessary. Relationships Australia 1300 364 277 www.relationships.com.au Relationships Australia offers family and relationship counselling as well as a range of specialist counselling services. Quest for Life Foundation (02) 4883 6599 or 1300 941 488 www.questforlife.com.au Founded by cancer survivor Petrea King, Quest for Life supports, educates and empowers people living with cancer and other serious conditions. Services including counselling, workshops and residential programs as well as free online resources including podcasts and webinars. EMPLOYMENT CRS Australia 1800 277 277 www.crsaustralia.gov.au A government agency offering practical help for your return to work if cancer has affected the kind of work you can do. FERTILITY Andrology Australia 1300 303 878 www.andrologyaustralia.org For information on male reproductive health problems and treatments. The Fertility Society of Australia (FSA) 1800 800 614 www.fertilitysociety.com.au The peak body representing health professionals working in reproductive medicine. Click on “Patients information” for details of relevant services in each state and territory. HAIR LOSS AND SKIN CARE Look good … feel better 1800 650 960 www.lgfb.org.au Established by the cosmetic industry, this free national community service supports both men and women dealing with the side effects of cancer treatment, including hair loss and skin changes. IMPOTENCE Impotence Australia 1800 800 614 www.impotenceaustralia.com.au A useful resource of information on sexual challenges for men and their partners caused by cancer treatment and other conditions. PAIN Pain Link Helpline 1300 340 357 www.painmanagement.org.au Advice on dealing with pain from the Australian Pain Management Association. REGIONAL Candles Cancer Support Group (02) 4393 5017 email: [email protected] Now in it's tenth year, the Candles Cancer Support Group is based on the NSW Central Coast. A non-profit group, Candles offers support to all those affected by cancer, promising empathy, understanding and friendship as well as access and referral to resources and appropriate services. The group meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month at the Family Support Centre in Kanwal. Cancer types BOWEL CANCER Bowel Cancer Australia 1800 555 494 02 9923 8269 www.bowelcanceraustralia.org Bowel Cancer Australia is the peak national body for Australians with bowel cancer and provides information, advocacy and tailored support to patients and their families. BREAST CANCER BreaCan 1300 781 500 www.breacan.org.au BreaCan is an information and support service for Victorians affected by a gynaecological cancer or breast cancer, their families and friends. BreaCan offers a range of services and programs including a library, regular information sessions, a ‘Feel Good’ gentle exercise program, free reflexology sessions and a drop-in centre in the Melbourne CBD where people can speak to peer support volunteers who have personally experienced cancer. Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) 1800 500 258 www.bcna.org.au BCNA is a community-funded organisation that raises money for breast cancer research. National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre www.nbocc.org.au Funded by the Australian government, this organisation is an impressive source of information and advice on breast and ovarian cancer. National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) 1300 708 763 www.nbcf.org.au The peak national body for Australians with breast cancer aims to ensure that all those people diagnosed with breast cancer get the best possible information, treatment, care and support. GYNAECOLOGICAL CANCER (including ovarian, uterine, vaginal, vulval and fallopian tube cancer) BreaCan 1300 781 500 www.breacan.org.au BreaCan is an information and support service for Victorians affected by a gynaecological cancer or breast cancer, their families and friends. BreaCan offers a range of services and programs including a library, regular information sessions, a ‘Feel Good’ gentle exercise program, free reflexology sessions and a drop-in centre in the Melbourne CBD where people can speak to peer support volunteers who have personally experienced cancer. Gynaecological Cancer Society 1800 700 288 (Emotional Support Hotline) www.gcsau.org Detailed information on each of the gynaecological cancers, from diagnosis through to treatment. Gynaecological Cancer Support (02) 9845 6699 www.gynaecancersupport.org.au A group dedicated to fostering psycho-social care for women diagnosed with gynaecological cancers and their supporters. National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre www.nbocc.org.au Backed by the Australian government, this website offers information and advice on breast and ovarian cancer. Ovarian Cancer Australia 1300 660 334 www.ovariancancer.net.au An organisation providing support and advocacy for people with ovarian cancer. It is the peak body for ovarian cancer prevention and awareness. LEUKAEMIA, LYMPHOMA, MYELOMA Leukaemia Foundation 1800 620 420 www.leukaemia.org.au The Leukaemia Foundation provides tailored support to people with leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma and related blood disorders. Trained health professionals can answer your questions, provide emotional support and connect you with educational programs and other people to help you learn to live well with your disease. Services are free. Lymphoma Australia 1800 359 081 www.lymphoma.org.au Go to the website to download brochures, order educational DVDs, order a “Keeping Track of Your Lymphoma” diary, read stories of other people living with lymphoma, find out about support groups, and much more. Myeloma Foundation of Australia Inc 1800 693 566 (telephone support line) www.myeloma.org.au An organisation offering a number of resources including brochures for download, informative videos and a telephone support line staffed by nurses specialising in myeloma. LUNG CANCER The Australian Lung Foundation 1800 654 301 www.lungfoundation.com.au The website of the Australian Lung Foundation contains plenty of supportive information for people with lung conditions, including lung cancer. Kylie Johnson Lung Cancer Network 1800 654 301 (lung care nurse telephone support line) www.kjlcn.org.au The Australian Lung Foundation and the Cancer Council have collaborated on this project which includes an information-packed website and a lung care nurse telephone support line (Thursdays and Fridays only). MUSCULOSKELETAL CANCER Sarcoma and Bone Cancer Research Foundation Association (08) 8222 0772 sarcomabonecancer.org The Sarcoma and Bone Cancer Research Foundation Association Inc was founded by a group of doctors who specialise in the treatment of these rare diseases. It is an Australian Tax Office registered charity that raises funds for research into sarcomas and bone cancer. It also provides a much-needed support group with input from survivors of these rare maligancies. Head to the website for more information and to read about ongoing clinical trials. PROSTATE CANCER Lions Australia Prostate Cancer Website www.prostatehealth.org.au An informative site developed by the Australian Prostate Cancer Collaboration (APCC) with funding from the Lions International Clubs of Australia. Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) 1800 220 099 www.prostate.org.au The PCFA is the peak national body for prostate cancer organisations in Australia and aims to provide support, information and advocacy to men and their families. Prostate Cancer Institute (PCI) www.prostatecancer.org.au A specialist unit within Sydney’s St George Hospital, PCI offers integrated care services for men with prostate cancer. The website has information on treatment options and managing side effects. SKIN CANCER Melanoma Institute Australia (02) 9911 7200 www.melanoma.org.au Affiliated with St Vincents and Mater Health in Sydney and the University of Sydney, this organisation is dedicated to the research and treatment of melanomas. Melanoma Patients Australia www.melanomapatients.org A website providing information on melanoma and the various treatment options available, plus details of clinical trials and a number of survivor stories. Skin and Cancer Foundation (02) 8353 3000 or (02) 8833 3000 www.skin.com.au A Sydney-based charity supporting skin cancer research and education, that also provides diagnostic services and treatments. Cancer research Austin Health Centre (03) 9496 5000 www.austin.org.au Involved in fundraising to establish the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre, Austin Health is currently active in cancer treatment services and cancer research. Cancer Institute (02) 8374 5600 www.cancerinstitute.org.au Funded by the New South Wales government, it aims to reduce the impact of cancer on the residents of the state. Its website has fact sheets with statistical information about many different cancer types. Chris O’Brien Lifehouse 1300 852 500 www.mylifehouse.org.au/ Chris O’Brien Lifehouse is a world-class not-for-profit integrated cancer treatment centre, and is now a fully operational cancer hospital with the opening of our inpatient services. The Garvan Institute (02) 9295 8100 www.garvan.org.au A biomedical research facility dedicated to the study of some of the most widespread diseases in Australia, including cancer. The Kinghorn Cancer Centre www.thekinghorncancercentre.org.au This is a joint initiative between the Garvan Institute and St Vincents and Mater Health Sydney. The Kinghorn Cancer Centre will allow clinical challenges to directly drive laboratory research and enable research findings to be rapidly translated into clinical application for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of individual cancer patients. The Kinghorn Cancer Centre is due to open in 2012. Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre (Peter Mac) (03) 9656 1111 www.petermac.org Australia’s only public hospital dedicated solely to cancer care is also a world leader in research and education. Clinical trials Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZTCR) www.anzctr.org.au Go to the ANZTCR website and use the “trial search” function to find clinical trials that relate to your condition. Australian Cancer Trials www.australiancancertrials.gov.au Cancer Australia updates this site regularly with details of current cancer trials. International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) www.who.int/ictrp/en The ICTRP is run by the World Health Organization (WHO) and has information about medical trials across the globe. Go to the ICTRP website and click on “Search for trials” to get to the database, then click on “Advanced search” to look for trials taking place in Australia. National Cancer Institute (US) www.cancer.gov The website of the National Cancer Institute in the United States lists 8000+ clinical trials running across the globe, including in Australia. Click on Clinical trials to start your search. NSW Cancer Trials Network www.cancerinstitute.org.au Trials running in NSW that are actively recruiting participants are registered on this site. Head to the website and follow the links to Researchers > Clinical trials to search for trials relating to your type of cancer. Register4 www.register4.org.au The National Breast Cancer Foundation is behind this online register of breast cancer research volunteers. The CLEAR Study 1800 500 894 www.clearstudy.org.au Cancer Council NSW is running a large study into the lifestyle and genetic factors that influence cancer. If you’re over 18, you live in New South Wales and you’ve been diagnosed with cancer in the last 18 months, you are encouraged to take part in the CLEAR study. Palliative care CareSearch (08) 7221 8233 www.caresearch.com.au A government-funded website offering information about palliative care plus links to local palliative care services running in every state and territory. Home Hospice 1800 132 229 www.homehospice.com.au Home Hospice offers free peer-to-peer mentoring services to families and friends supporting a loved one with a terminal illness who wants to die at home. Mentors offer emotional support, information and guidance, by phone or face-to-face. Mentors are trained volunteers with their own experience of end-of-life care. Palliative Care Australia 1800 660 055 www.palliativecare.org.au The peak body for palliative care providers in Australia runs this website which features a number of brochures to download, including one that looks at palliative care for children. Respecting Patient Choices (03) 9496 5660 www.respectingpatientchoices.org.au A website, developed by Melbourne-based Austin Health, that goes through the steps associated with writing an advance care directive, which outlines your wishes for future treatment and care. WrappingUp.com WrappingUp.com This commercial website offers extensive information and services to people making end-of-life plans and to those dealing with the death of a loved one. Some areas of the website are free; pay a membership fee to gain full access to the material and services available. Cancer charities You are encouraged to donate to the organisations that participated in the making of LifeSupport magazine. The Australian Cancer Research Foundation (02) 9223 7833 www.acrf.com.au A charity committed to raising funds to support world-class cancer research in Australia. Cancer research grants of between $1.5 million and $10 million are awarded annually on the basis of scientific excellence. Cancer Council Australia 13 11 20 (Cancer Council Helpline) www.cancer.org.au The Cancer Council is the peak national non-government body for cancer care. The Cancer Council is a comprehensive source of information, advice and support at a national and local level. CanToo (02) 8072 6188 www.cantoo.org.au A non-profit program that provides free professional coaching for endurance events including half-marathons, marathons and ocean swims. In exchange, participants use their new-found skills to raise funds for cancer research in CanToo fundraising events. Funds are directed to Cure Cancer Australia. Chris O’Brien Lifehouse 1300 852 500 www.mylifehouse.org.au/ Chris O’Brien Lifehouse is a world-class not-for-profit integrated cancer treatment centre, and is now a fully operational cancer hospital with the opening of our inpatient services. Cure Cancer Australia Foundation (02) 8072 6188 or 1300 134 567 www.cure.org.au A fundraising group that specifically offers grants to young Australian researchers working to find a cure for cancer. Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre (Peter Mac) (03) 9656 1111 www.petermac.org Australia’s only public hospital dedicated solely to cancer care is also a world leader in research and education. |