Going through cancer and its treatment can be a worrying time. So too can being a carer or caregiver. A carer or caregiver can include any person who provides support. This includes partners, family members, relatives, or friends. Feelings of concern or questions about the impact of cancer are common and understandable. Knowing where to get support and the type of questions to ask can help those caring for someone with cancer find a better quality of life.
Information for carers, friends and families
- Caring for someone with cancer booklet, Cancer Council Victoria
- Care and support, My Cancer Guide, Cancer Council Victoria
- Caring for a cancer survivor: tips for coping fact sheet, Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre (ACSC)
- Questions you may wish to ask about the time after treatment fact sheet, Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre (ACSC)
- Support for caregivers of cancer patients website, National Cancer Institute (US)
- A guide to supporting your friend has cancer fact sheet, Canteen Australia
- Parenting through illness YouTube video playlist, Canteen Australia
- A guide to Canteen for parents and carers booklet, Canteen Australia
- Carers Gateway website, carer resources in different languages, Carer Gateway
- Cancer affects the carer too podcast, Cancer Council NSW (New South Wales)
- Looking after yourself: when supporting someone with cancer YouTube seminar, Cancer Council Victoria
- Family Connect- support for family and friends of someone with a cancer diagnosis website, Cancer Council Victoria
- WeCan, an Australian supportive care website
- OlderCan, resources developed with and for older Australians affected by a cancer diagnosis
- Cancer Council, you can call 13 11 20. Alternatively, you can also email a cancer nurse
- Carers Couch, a safe place of community and support for those caring for a loved one with cancer
- Beyond Blue, the Beyond Blue talk to a counsellor
- National, state and territory carer’s support and resources
- Carers Australia, National, state and territory carer’s support and resources:
Clinical services at Peter Mac Melbourne campus
The following services are available to Peter Mac patients in Melbourne. You may have different clinical service options if you are being treated elsewhere. Please speak with your oncology team.
- Social work services: Social workers can provide counselling and support. They can advocate on behalf of you and the person you’re caring for. They can also offer practical advice and referrals to community services.
- Spiritual care services: Spiritual care draws on respect, trust and understanding. It delivers a compassionate, listening presence. This presence adds to your spiritual and emotional health and wellbeing.
- Carers Circle: These weekly sessions are a safe and supportive space. Connect with other carers and share experiences of caring for someone with cancer.
- The Wellbeing Centre: The Wellbeing Centre is on Level 1 of the Peter Mac Melbourne building. It is a gathering place for patients, their families and carers. It offers a variety of programs, services and education opportunities.
- Cancer Wellness Program: These sessions are a free education and support program for people affected by cancer. They are for those who have completed cancer treatment and are living with and beyond cancer. It welcomes carers, partners, and family members. The sessions are hosted by the ACSC and Cancer Council Victoria twice per year. Visit the ACSC cancer survivors and carers events page for upcoming dates.
Other clinical services in the Parkville precinct
Peter Mac is part of the Parkville precinct. This precinct includes Royal Melbourne Hospital and Royal Women’s Hospital. If you would like to tell us of any relevant services or leave feedback,