Just diagnosed
A guide for people with cancer, their families and friends, with helpful information about cancer and what to expect in the days and weeks after diagnosis.
Being told you have cancer can be overwhelming and confusing. You might worry about what comes next and how life will change.
Knowing some basics about cancer and the treatment options can help. It’s also good to know where you can find support and more information when you’re ready.
For information to help you, your family, friends and carers understand more about cancer and what to expect in the days and weeks after diagnosis, visit our Just diagnosed information on the Cancer Connect website.
Resources in other languages
Find information on coping with a cancer diagnosis in Arabic, Simplified and Traditional Chinese, Greek, Hindi, Italian, Korean, Punjabi, Spanish and Vietnamese.
Easy Read Video
Being told you have cancer can be overwhelming. This video explains what to expect and how Cancer Council can support you.
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Prof Lisa Beatty, Professor in Clinical Psychology, Flinders Cancer Research, Flinders University, SA; A/Prof James Lynam, Medical Oncologist and Senior Clinical Advisor, Cancer Institute NSW; Dr Diana Adams, Medical Oncologist, Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centre and GenesisCare, Campbelltown, NSW; Bob Carnaby, Consumer; Dr Maria Ftanou, Director, Psychosocial Oncology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Mark Godfrey, Consumer; Prof Angela Hong, Radiation Oncologist, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, Melanoma Institute Australia, GenesisCare, and Clinical Professor, The University of Sydney, NSW; A/Prof Brett Hughes, Senior Staff Specialist, Medical Oncologist, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, The Prince Charles Hospital and the University of Queensland, QLD; Kimberly Hurley, Consumer; Bronwyn Jennings, Gynaecology Oncology Clinical Nurse Consultant, Mater Health, QLD; Nadine Macbeth, Social Work Team Leader, Cancer and Chronic Care, Westmead Hospital, NSW; A/Prof Geri McDonald, Director Patient Experience and Wellbeing, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; A/Prof Orla McNally, Consultant Gynaecological Oncologist, Director Oncology/Dysplasia, Royal Women’s Hospital, Honorary Clinical Associate Professor, University of Melbourne, Director, Gynaecology Tumour Stream, Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, VIC; Gail O’Brien AO, Consumer and Patient Liaison Advocate; Mariad O’Gorman, Clinical Psychologist, Liverpool Cancer Therapy Centre and Bankstown Cancer Centre, NSW; Deb Roffe, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council SA; Julie Teraci, Clinical Nurse Consultant – Melanoma, Cancer Network WA; Dr Elysia Thornton-Benko, Specialist GP/Primary Care and Cancer Survivorship Physician, Clinician Researcher, NSW.
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