There are many hundreds of consumer support and advocacy groups, and cancer charities across Australia. Here we provide links only to those that are national consumer organisations and the peak community-funded organisations. In most cases you can find links to state and territory or more special interest groups on their websites, provided below.
Cancer Councils
Community-funded Cancer Councils in each state and territory:
- undertake and fund cancer research;
- implement programs and campaigns to prevent and control cancer; and
- provide information and support for people affected by cancer.
The national body, Cancer Council Australia, provides advice on practices and policies to help prevent, detect and treat cancer, and advocates for people affected by cancer for best treatment and supportive care.
Australia’s Cancer Councils are the recognised leaders in providing support and other resources for people affected by cancer. Cancer Australia is working with Cancer Councils across Australia to build support networks. We are also working with the many other organisations that aim to address issues specific to people affected by different types of cancer to improve support options.
For more information about support options in your state or territory, visit the website of the relevant Cancer Council listed below or call the Cancer Council on 13 11 20 (a local call from anywhere in Australia).
- Cancer Council ACT
- Cancer Council NSW
- Cancer Council NT
- Cancer Council QLD
- Cancer Council SA
- Cancer Council TAS
- Cancer Council Victoria
- Cancer Council WA
Other cancer consumer and community-funded cancer organisations
Bowel Cancer Australia
Bowel Cancer Australia is dedicated to bowel cancer prevention, early diagnosis, research, quality treatment and care, and provides practical and emotional support for the growing number of Australians affected by bowel cancer.
Breast Cancer Network Australia
Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) is the peak national organisation for Australians personally affected by breast cancer. It works to ensure that Australians diagnosed with breast cancer and their families receive the best information, treatment, care and support possible.
Can Assist
Can Assist is committed to ensuring that all people, regardless of where they live in NSW, have access to cancer treatment and care. By providing accommodation, financial assistance and practical support to people from rural, regional and remote areas of New South Wales, we ensure that country people are given the same opportunities and treatment choices as those who live in city centres.
Cancer Voices Australia
Cancer Voices Australia is a national consumer advocacy organisation representing Australians affected by cancer. It aims to ensure the voices of people, their carers and families affected by cancer are heard at a national level. There are also Cancer Voices organisations in most states and territories.
Canteen
Canteen supports young people (aged 12-25) who are dealing with their own diagnosis, a close family member's cancer or the death of a loved one. The organisation provides access to life-saving treatment, specialised counselling and programs where young people can connect with others in similar situations.
CarerHelp
CarerHelp supports carers to prepare, plan and cope with caring for a person with terminal illness and at the end of life.
Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation Australia
Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation Australia is a patient-led cancer, genomic, and advocacy research organisation that aims to empower and increase survival of patients diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma.
Inherited Cancers Australia
Inherited Cancers Australia empowers people with information and understanding of inherited cancer to help them manage their cancer risk. They provide a supportive community for people to share their lived experience. They fight inherited cancer with knowledge, transparency, community and hope.
Head and Neck Cancer Australia
Head and Neck Cancer Australia provides education and support to people living with head and neck cancer, caregivers, family and health professionals.
Leukaemia Foundation
The Leukaemia Foundation is the national organisation dedicated to the care and cure of people living with leukaemias, lymphomas, myeloma and other related blood disorders, and to providing support for their families.
Lung Foundation Australia
Lung Foundation Australia is the national consumer advocacy organisation, representing Australians affected by lung disease.
Lymphoma Australia
Lymphoma Australia is a not-for-profit charity in Australia dedicated to people affected by lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
Melanoma Patients Australia
Melanoma Patients Australia supports, connects and advocates for Australians affected by melanoma, and works towards prevention of the disease. For support, visit the Support Services page or call the National Melanoma Support Line on 1300 884 450.
Myeloma Foundation Australia
The Myeloma Foundation of Australia provides information and support to people affected by myeloma.
National Breast Cancer Foundation
The National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) funds all forms of research into the prevention and treatment of breast cancer.
Ovarian Cancer Australia
Ovarian Cancer Australia is a national not-for-profit organisation providing support and advocacy for people affected by ovarian cancer, and is the peak body for ovarian cancer awareness and prevention.
Prostate Cancer Foundation Australia
The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) is the national body for prostate cancer in Australia. It funds research and other efforts to reduce the impact of prostate cancer on the community.
Pancreatic Cancer Alliance
The Pancreatic Cancer Alliance is a collaborative voice raising awareness of pancreatic cancer in Australia. Cancer Australia is a Member of the Pancreatic Cancer Alliance, other members include:
- Avner Pancreatic Cancer Foundation
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research
- GI Cancer Instutute
- Pancare Foundation
Rare Cancers Australia
Rare Cancers Australia works to improve the lives and health outcomes of Australians living with rare and less common (RLC) cancers through its key areas of focus: Creating a Patient Community, Advocacy, Patient Support Programs, Fundraising, Treatment & Research along with Early Diagnosis.
Redkite
Redkite provides financial assistance, emotional support and educational assistance to children with cancer and their families. It also has scholarships available for specific educational goals.
