Cancer Connect

Talk to someone whose had a similar cancer experience.

Getting a cancer diagnosis is difficult. You may find it helpful to speak to someone who has ‘been there before’.

Through confidential, one-on-one phone support, you can hear how others have coped in similar situations, find out relevant information and talk through any concerns you have.

Our Cancer Connect program can match you with a trained volunteer who has been through a similar cancer experience in terms of cancer type, cancer treatment, age and family circumstances.

Our trained volunteers provide free and confidential support for people who are:

  • diagnosed with any type of cancer;
  • at a high genetic risk of cancer due to family history;
  • family members and/or carers of someone with a cancer diagnosis;
  • considering participating in a clinical trial.

Support is available at any stage throughout the cancer experience – at diagnosis, during or after treatment and when you’re considering a clinical trial. Family and carers can also receive support.

"It was reassuring to talk to someone who has been through a similar experience to mine. It gave me hope and helped me feel less isolated."

Find out more:

If you’d like to be connected with a trained volunteer simply fill in the form below and one of our team will be in contact with you to discuss your needs and connect you with a suitable volunteer. Alternatively you can call 13 11 20 and speak with a cancer nurse who can answer any questions you might have.

Submit details

Become a Cancer Connect volunteer:
Use your lived experience to help others. 

Cancer Connect provides the opportunity for people to be matched to a trained volunteer who’s had a similar cancer experience in terms of cancer type, treatment choices, and whether they’ve been on a clinical trial. Volunteers provide free phone support to people who are going through a similar cancer experience. 

We are looking for people who: 

  • have had a cancer diagnosis 

  • have cared for someone with cancer 

  • carry a gene that increases their cancer risk 

  • have been on a clinical trial 

What do Cancer Connect volunteers do? 

Cancer Council will provide comprehensive online training to prepare you for this role. 

As a volunteer you’ll provide one-to-one support over the phone, sharing your experiences and providing a listening ear at a time when it is needed most. All conversations are confidential. 

Volunteers may support up to five people a year, with up to six one-hour phone calls per person. 

Volunteers are not counsellors, do not offer medical advice or act as an advocate for clinical trial organisations. Any medical questions will be referred to the treating team.   

Cancer Council will provide comprehensive online training to prepare you for this role. 

To be eligible to volunteer you need to:  

  • be aged 18 +  
  • able to commit to 12 months in the role   

  • complete volunteer induction training (online)   

Register your interest today 

To become a Cancer Connect volunteer please submit the form below or call the Cancer Connect Coordinator on 9516 4315 to find out more. 

Volunteer form

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Questions about cancer?

Call or email our experienced cancer nurses for information and support.

Contact a cancer nurse