Just diagnosed with cancer: rural and regional areas
A guide for people living outside major cities, with helpful information about cancer and what to expect in the days and weeks after diagnosis.
Being told you have cancer can be overwhelming. You might worry about what comes next and how life will change. Living in a rural or regional area may bring extra challenges.
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 for people living outside major cities who are affected by cancer, including information on tests, treatment, travel and accommodation support, and support for rural business owners and farmers, visit our Just diagnosed with cancer: Rural and regional areas section on the Cancer Connect website.
You can also find more information to help you, your family, friends and carers understand about cancer and what to expect after diagnosis in our general 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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Dr Florian Honeyball, Medical Oncologist, Western Cancer Centre. Dubbo, NSW; Morgan Atkinson, Senior Manager, SA/NT Youth Cancer Service, Royal Adelaide Hospital, SA; John Clements, Consumer; Robyn Fanning, Specialist, Supportive Care and Accommodation, Townsville, Cancer Council Queensland, QLD; Kirsty Glanville, Wiradjuri woman and National Director Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Service Equity, Cancer Council Australia; Sandy Hutchison, Clinical Psychologist, Cancer Wellbeing Centre, Indooroopilly, QLD; Dr Wei-Sen Lam, Cancer Service Lead, Department of Health, Medical Oncologist, Esperance Hospital and Head of Service, Medical Oncology, Fiona Stanley Hospital, WA; Ian Martin, Consumer; Louise Moodie, Director Dietetics, Mackay Hospital and Health Service, QLD; Dr Simone Reeves, Radiation Oncologist, Ballarat-Austin Radiation Oncology Centre (BAROC), VIC; Deb Roffe, 13 11 20 Consultant; Dr Hannah Rothermel, General Practitioner, Bulgarr Ngaru Medical Aboriginal Corporation, Maclean Clinic, NSW; Dr Sean Stevens OAM, General Practitioner and Co-Owner, Grove Medical, WA; Carissa Stone, Nurse Consultant, McGrath Foundation, Adelaide, SA; Victoria Turner, Consumer; Shirley Witko, Senior Social Worker, Kimberley Cancer Services, WA Country Health Service, WA.
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