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The government is now operating in accordance with the Guidance on Caretaker Conventions, pending the outcome of the 2025 federal election.

Finding support

Having practical and emotional support during and after diagnosis and treatment for cancer is very important. Support may be available from family and friends, health professionals or special support services.

People often feel overwhelmed, scared, anxious and upset after a diagnosis of cancer. These are all normal feelings.

More information about finding support can be found here in the dedicated Living with cancer section. This information deals with some of the challenges experienced by people affected by cancer. It includes information about managing some of the longer term side effects of treatment, how people close to you might feel after a diagnosis of cancer, and where to find practical and emotional support.

Your guide to best cancer care 

The Guide to Best Cancer Care (summary of the Optimal Care Pathway) is available to help you understand the best cancer care that should be provided from diagnosis, through to treatment and beyond. It is available in multiple languages.

It includes timeframes within which tests or procedures should ideally be completed. It can also help you with questions to ask your health professionals to make sure you receive the best care at every step.

The full version of the Optimal care pathway for men with breast cancer is available here.

There are also two resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to help you to know what to expect:

For out more

Cancer Australia

Cancer Australia was established by the Australian Government in 2006 to benefit all Australians affected by cancer, and their families and carers. Cancer Australia aims to reduce the impact of cancer, address disparities and improve outcomes for people affected by cancer by leading and coordinating national, evidence-based interventions across the continuum of care.

If you would like an interpreter to help you understand any information on this website, please call TIS National on 131 450 and ask them to call Cancer Australia on 02 9357 9400. Our business hours are 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

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