There are many consumer support, 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 Australia's Consumer Involvement Toolkit provides advice to people affected by cancer on how to be involved in local health services and community, cancer and research organisations. This information is designed to help people build their knowledge and understanding of how to be involved in meaningful ways.
Bereavement Care Centre
The Bereavement Care Centre has counselling and support services for terminally ill children and their families, and for recently bereaved people.
Brain Tumour Alliance Australia
Brain Tumour Alliance Australia provides information, resources, peer support and consumer representation for patients and families of patients with brain tumours.
Camp Quality
Camp Quality delivers family support, hospital, education and recreation programs.
The Cancer Council in your state or territory
The Cancer Council in your state or territory can give you general information about cancer, as well as information on resources and support groups in your local area. The Cancer Connect service provides online peer-based support and information for people living with, and affected by, cancer. Call the Cancer Council Helpline from anywhere in Australia for the cost of a local call on 13 11 20 .
CanTeen
CanTeen helps young people (aged 12-24) cope with their own or cancer in their family. Through CanTeen, young people can access counselling, information and other support as well as connect with others going through the same thing.
For young people with cancer, the Youth Cancer Service provide specialist, age-specific treatment and support. See Canteen's freely available online books which include books and resources for young people who have cancer (suitable for ages 12 – 15 years).
Cancer Voices Australia
Cancer Voices Australia provides support and advocacy to Australians affected by cancer.
Children’s Cancer Foundation
Children’s Cancer Foundation aims to help children with cancer to access the world’s best treatment and support, and supports families through treatment. It builds awareness of childhood cancer, partners with hospitals to deliver clinical excellence and builds world-class paediatric cancer clinical research.
The Leukaemia Foundation
The Leukaemia Foundation has a range of resources and support services for people with leukaemia and their families. In some circumstances, it can provide accommodation near major hospitals.
Lymphoma Australia
Lymphoma Australia provides peer support and advocacy, and can assist with access to clinical trials.
Make-A-Wish Foundation
Make-A-Wish Foundation grants wishes to children in Australia with life-threatening medical conditions.
Melanoma Patients Australia
Melanoma Patients Australia is a patient-driven, nonprofit organisation that offers a national network of support and information.
MissingSchool.org.au
MissingSchool.org.au is an online parent-run organisation that provides advice and parent support on education issues for your child.
Neuroblastoma Australia
Neuroblastoma Australia provides support and advice to families of children with neuroblastoma, and organises fundraising activities for neuroblastoma research.
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. Cancer Advisor is a one-stop website for the families of children, teenagers and young adults with cancer, and young people with a diagnosis.
Ronald McDonald House Charities
Ronald McDonald House Charities provides programs including educational support and accommodation near treatment centres.
Sarcoma Study Group
The Australasian Sarcoma Study Group has resources and provides support for patients and families of patients with sarcoma.
Starlight Children’s Foundation
Starlight Children’s Foundation provides a range of programs to ensure the wellbeing of seriously ill children.
Kids with Cancer Foundation Australia
Kids with Cancer Foundation Australia provides financial assistance to children with cancer and their families.
The Kids’ Cancer Project
The Kids’ Cancer Project is an independent national charity dedicated to supporting childhood cancer research with the aim of improving diagnosis and treatment of childhood cancer, increasing survival and achieving improved outcomes for children and their families affected by cancer.
Brainchild Foundation
Brainchild Foundation provides support to children who are affected by brain and spinal cord tumours, and their families.