Dietitians can help
Dietitians are available to help you in all public hospitals and some private
hospitals. Community health centres often have a dietitian. Ask at your local
centre.
Dietitians in private practice are listed in the Yellow Pages. Medicare does
not cover private practitioner dietitians but some private health insurers
provide a rebate.
The Dietitians Association of Australia can direct you to an accredited practising
dietitian in your area or to one who has experience in particular problems.
Go to its website at www.daa.asn.au
or call them on 1800 812 942.
Other sources
Your specialist, family doctor and nurses can tell you anything you want
to know about your illness and your treatment.
You may want to contact a social worker or counsellor. They can be contacted
through the Social Work Department at your treatment hospital.
The Carers Association offers support and information for carers. Call 1800
242 636.
Cancer support groups offer mutual support and information to people with
cancer and their families. Support groups also offer many practical suggestions
and ways to cope. Your hospital may run special cancer support groups: check
with your doctor, nurse or social worker. Joining a consumer advocacy group
can also be a rewarding experience for some people.
Call the Cancer Helpline on 13 11 20 for information on cancer support and/or
advocacy groups.
The Cancer Helpline
The Cancer Helpline is a service of The Cancer Council NSW. It is a telephone
information and support service for people affected by cancer. It is a confidential
service where you can talk about your concerns and needs with specialist cancer
nurses.
The nurses can send you written information and put you in touch with appropriate
services in your own area.
The Cancer Helpline can be contacted on 13 11 20, Monday to Friday 9am to
5pm. The tele-typewriter (TTY) number for deaf or hearing-impaired people
is (02) 9334 1865.
As well as English, the Helpline is offered in the following languages:
Cantonese and Mandarin 1300 300 935
Greek 1300 301 449
Italian 1300 301 431
Arabic 1300 301 625
To access the Cancer Helpline in languages not on this list, call the Translating
and Interpreting Service on 13 14 50.
More information
