Page last updated: August 2024
The information on this webpage was adapted from Understanding Rare and Less Common Cancers - A guide for people with cancer, their families and friends (2024 edition). This webpage was last updated in August 2024.
Expert content reviewers:
This information was developed with the help of a range of health professionals and people affected by rare and less common cancers:
- Emeritus Professor Phyllis Butow, Psychologist, The University of Sydney, NSW
- Alison Danis, Consumer
- Dr Michelle Harrison, Medical Oncologist, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW
- Dr Damien Kee, Medical Oncologist, Austin Health and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, and Clinical Research Fellow, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, VIC
- Jess Pike, Senior Social Worker, Westmead Hospital, NSW
- Trish Taylor, Consumer
- Lesley Woods, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council WA
A cancer diagnosis usually brings uncertainty, but for people with an RLC cancer, that uncertainty and feeling of isolation may be harder.
You may also feel distress and a range of strong emotions, such as shock, disbelief, fear, anger, sadness and anxiety. Below are some ways that may help you manage how you are feeling.
Rare Cancers Australia
Rare Cancers Australia aims to improve the lives and health outcomes of Australians living with rare and less common cancers.
It focuses on patient support programs, treatment and research, fundraising, and creating a community for people diagnosed with a rare or less common cancer.
Rare Cancers Australia also produces Radio Rare, a podcast sharing the stories of those in and around the rare and less common cancer community.
Learn more
Find out more information
Not knowing what to expect can be tough. There’s a lot you can’t predict or control – when you will get a confirmed diagnosis, what treatment you will have and how long it will take.
It may help to find out as much information as you can. Ask your doctor questions as well as where you can find more reliable information. Make a list of things to ask at your appointments.
You may be able to email follow-up questions or talk to a cancer care coordinator or nurse.
Question checklist
Stay connected
If you have to travel away from home for treatment, you may feel lonely without the usual support of your family, friends or community. Or people may not be able to visit you because you need to avoid infections.
You may stop work, and miss your co-workers and usual routine. Use email, social media or a blog to stay in touch with family and friends.
Emotions and cancer
Try complementary therapies
Complementary therapies, such as massage and meditation, are therapies used alongside conventional medical treatments. They may help people cope with symptoms or side effects and lower stress and anxiety.
Talk to your doctor about any therapies you may want to use, to ensure they are safe.
Learn more
Join a support group
Talking to people who have the same type of cancer can make you feel less alone. You can join the Cancer Council Online Community to connect with others in a similar situation. Call Cancer Council 13 11 20 to find a support group that suits you.
Find a support group
Get help with work and money
Cancer can be expensive and may mean that you cannot do your usual work. This can make you feel more stressed. If you need legal or financial advice, Cancer Council may be able to connect you with professionals who can help.
Financial and legal support
Talk about how you are feeling
It is natural to feel overwhelmed by the diagnosis. Your cancer team can be an important source of support. The social worker at the treatment centre or hospital can also help.
It is important to let your doctors know how you are feeling. They can refer you to a counsellor, psychologist, psychiatrist or another health professional trained to help.
They may also be able to put you in touch with other people who are going through similar treatment.
Cancer counselling services
Watch for feelings of sadness
If you regularly feel sad, have trouble getting up in the morning or lose motivation to do what used to make you happy, you may be depressed. This is common for people who have cancer.
Talk to your GP, as counselling or medication – even for a short time – may help. Some people can get a Medicare rebate for sessions with a psychologist.
For information on depression and anxiety, call Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, or for 24-hour crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Contact cancer support
Understanding Rare and Less Common Cancers
Download our Understanding Rare and Less Common Cancers booklet to learn more
Download now