As you approach the end of life, you may struggle with talking about death and dying, and finding hope and meaning. Here we offer ideas for starting conversations, and managing emotional and spiritual concerns.
Learn more about:
- Talking about dying
- The effect on people close to you
- How to tell children
- If you live alone
- Coping with change and loss
- Spirituality at the end of life
Listen to our podcast series for people affected by advanced cancer
Additional resources
Dr Megan Ritchie, Staff Specialist Palliative Medicine, Palliative Care Service, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, NSW; Gabrielle Asprey, Cancer Support Consultant, Cancer Council NSW; Rosemary Cavanough, Consumer; Louise Durham, Nurse Practitioner, Metro South Palliative Care Service, QLD; Tracey Gardner, Senior Psychologist, Cancer Counselling Service, Cancer Council Queensland; Karen Hall, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council SA; Linda Nolte, Program Director, Advance Care Planning Australia, VIC; Rowena Robinson, Clinical Advisor, Palliative Care Australia, ACT; Helena Rodi, Program Manager, Advance Care Planning Australia, VIC.
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Need to talk?
Support services
Caring for someone with cancer
Speak to a health professional or to someone who has been there, or find a support group or forum
Cancer Council Online Community
A community forum – a safe place to share stories, get tips and connect with people who understand
Cancer information
Emotions and cancer
Learn about the range of emotions you may experience if you are affected by cancer
Advanced cancer
Information for all stages of advanced cancer, from the initial diagnosis to palliative care and grief