Getting support

Even though family and friends can be there to help, many people still find it hard to ask for, and accept, support. When you are dealing with treatment and side effects, your support network can make an enormous difference. You don’t have to deal with cancer alone. Family and friends usually appreciate being allowed to provide support – it helps them feel useful.

Learn more about:

• Offers of help
• Getting support when you need it
• Practical and financial help
• Talk to someone who’s been there

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Listen to our podcast on Coping with a Cancer Diagnosis

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Offers of help

Friends and family can help in different ways. Some people will be comfortable talking about the cancer and comforting you if you are upset. Other people may prefer to support you in practical ways, such as helping with meals, transport or work around the home. You may want to use an app to set up a roster so people can choose activities that match their abilities and interests.

Different ways people can help

• Providing practical support – preparing meals, doing household chores, going grocery shopping, driving you to appointments, sharing an after-school roster, helping you exercise
• Keeping others informed – screening calls and emails, acting as a gatekeeper or support coordinator
• Offering companionship – listening without trying to solve your problems
• Keeping you involved – getting you out and about, and talking about other things aside from cancer

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Getting support when you need it

It’s not unusual for people to find themselves alone sometimes in their lives. Having a serious illness when you feel that you have no close family or friends can be especially hard. But you don’t have to tough it out by yourself. See the section below for details of services that offer practical and financial assistance.

Other sources of support could include non-profit organisations, faith-based groups and, if you have children, formal or informal school-based assistance, such as the school counsellor.

You may find that simply getting some help with practical things is all you need. For example, while you are having treatment, it might be useful to have your dog walked, get your lawn mowed or have your groceries or meals delivered.

People are often willing to help if they know you need it. If you feel comfortable, you may consider reaching out to friends or acquaintances. You may want to ask one of them to coordinate offers of help.

– Tash

If you want to talk about the diagnosis or how you’re coping with treatment and side effects, you may want to consider connecting with a support group. 

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Practical and financial help

After a cancer diagnosis, many people worry about how they will manage the financial impact. Depending on your individual circumstances, you may need to deal with reduced income and extra costs. There are many services that can help deal with practical or financial problems caused by the cancer.

• Financial or legal assistance – through benefits, pensions and programs – may help pay for prescription medicines, transport costs to medical appointments, utility bills or basic legal advice.
• Meals on Wheels, home care services, aids and appliances can be arranged to help make life easier at home.
• Subsidised travel and accommodation may be available if you need to travel long distances for treatment.
• Home nursing care may be available through community nursing services or local palliative care services.
• Centrelink, Commonwealth Carelink Centres, home help or child-care assistance may be available to you.

Ask the hospital social worker which services are available in your area and if you are eligible to receive them. Cancer Council offers free legal and financial services in all states and territories for people who can’t afford to pay. For more on this, call Cancer Council 13 11 20, or see Cancer and Your Finances and Cancer, Work and You.

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Talk to someone who’s been there

Coming into contact with other people who have had similar experiences to you can be beneficial. You may feel supported and relieved to know that others understand what you are going through and that you are not alone.

People often feel they can speak openly and share tips with others who have gone through a similar experience.

In a support group, you may find that you are more comfortable talking about your diagnosis and treatment, relationships with friends and family, and hopes and fears for the future. Some people say they can be even more open and honest in these support settings because they aren’t trying to protect their loved ones.

Types of support

There are many ways to connect with others for mutual support and to share information. These include:

• face-to-face support groups – often held in community centres or hospitals
• telephone support groups – facilitated by train counsellors
• peer support programs – match you with someone who has had a similar cancer experience, e.g. Cancer Connect
• online forums – such as cancerconnections.com.au

Talk to your nurse, social worker or Cancer Council 13 11 20 about what is available in your area.

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