Some people with advanced cancer can stay reasonably well and continue usual activities – working, playing sport and socialising – for a long time. Other people may need to focus on their health. It will depend on how you feel, and how cancer or treatment affects various aspects of your life.
Emotional changes
Being told you have cancer, or that it’s come back, can have a huge emotional impact. The cancer or treatment can also change how you feel. For example, some hormone treatments directly affect moods. It can also be difficult to cope with the feeling of uncertainty and the stress of changes to your work, finances and relationships.
Learn more about ways to manage how you’re feeling.
Side effects
The cancer, or its treatment, may cause a range of side effects, such as pain, nausea, fatigue or breathlessness.
These can affect what you can comfortably do and your sense of independence. Learn more about managing symptoms.
Money concerns
You or a partner may need time off work, or you may have treatment or other costs that add up. This can lead to worry about money, or a need for financial assistance. Learn more about dealing with bills and debts.
Practical issues
There may be ways to make life more comfortable, such as using medical equipment, modifying your home, or getting home help. If you travel a long way from home to the hospital, you may need assistance with transport or somewhere to stay.
Call Cancer Council on 13 11 20 to find out about options open to you.
→ READ MORE: Will palliative care help?
Podcast: What does Advanced Cancer Mean?
Listen to more of our podcast for people affected by advanced cancer
More resources
All updated content has been clinically reviewed by Dr Lucy Gately, Medical Oncologist, Alfred Health and Walter and Eliza Institute for Medical Research, VIC and Penny Neller, Project Manager, End of Life Law for Clinicians, Australian Centre for Health Law Research, Queensland University of Technology, QLD. This edition is based on the previous edition, which was reviewed by the following panel: Dr Lucy Gately (see above); Dr Katherine Allsopp, Supportive and Palliative Care Specialist, Westmead Hospital, NSW; Prof Megan Best, The University of Notre Dame Australia and The University of Sydney, NSW; Dr Keiron Bradley, Palliative Care Consultant, Medical Director Palliative Care Program, Bethesda Health Care, WA; Craig Brewer, Consumer; Emeritus Professor Phyllis Butow, Psychologist, The University of Sydney and Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Louise Durham, Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner Outpatients, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Metro South Palliative Care, QLD; Dr Roya Merie, Radiation Oncologist, Icon Cancer Centre, Concord, NSW; Penny Neller (see above); Caitriona Nienaber, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council WA; Xanthe Sansome, Program Director, Advance Care Planning Australia, VIC; Sparke Helmore Lawyers; Peter Spolc, Consumer.
View the Cancer Council NSW editorial policy.
