Transforming lives through compassionate care

In 2024, referrals to Cancer Council Victoria’s Nurse Counselling Services surged by an incredible 37 per cent. Behind every one of those referrals was a person facing the daunting reality of a cancer diagnosis for themselves or someone close to them—and thanks to your support, they received the vital psychological care they needed.

A cancer diagnosis turns life upside down. Beyond the intense physical impacts of treatment, the psychological toll can be profound. The overwhelming initial diagnosis, coping with side effects, fear of recurrence, or navigating the pain of loss—all these stages present unique challenges. Patients and their families often find themselves struggling to process the emotional weight of their experience.

For people like Sarah, who cared for her mother throughout her lung cancer diagnosis and needed support following her mother’s death, nurse counselling can help navigate complex feelings through a really difficult time.

“[My nurse counsellor] provided me with a safe space, time, and compassion to talk about what I was feeling and how I was coping,” Sarah shared. “She gave me the care and encouragement I needed to keep going.”

Cancer Council Victoria’s nurse counsellors offer more than just a listening ear. They provide actionable strategies to help patients, and their loved ones, find moments of respite and reclaim parts of their identity beyond the diagnosis.

“For people impacted by cancer, it’s on their mind almost constantly,” said Kate.

“You can’t think about one thing all the time without feeling completely drained. Having a space to step back, recharge, and remember you’re more than your diagnosis is so important.”

Real lives, real impact

When Carmel was diagnosed with melanoma in her early 60s, it came as a huge shock. The overwhelming challenges of her diagnosis and the anxiety she felt before surgery was something she couldn’t manage alone. Being connected with a nurse counsellor helped her address her fears before surgery as well as her recovery afterwards.

“She was empathetic, supportive, and encouraging,” Carmel shared. “She gave me practical strategies for coping with stress and living through my diagnosis and subsequent surgeries. That guidance made all the difference.”

And for Sarah, being given strategies to work through her grief was a lifeline. Her nurse counsellor introduced her to the concept of ‘post-traumatic growth’ – a term she had never encountered before but found deeply validating.

“Learning about post-traumatic growth gave me a framework to understand my feelings and see the progress I was making. It was incredibly empowering,” she said.

The rise in demand for counselling services in 2024 is a testament to the growing recognition that mental health care is an essential part of cancer treatment. People are reaching out for help – and thanks to your generosity, they’re finding it.
By supporting Cancer Council Victoria, you’re ensuring that people and families affected by cancer have someone to turn to – a professional who has an understanding of what they may be going through and can offer guidance, compassion, and hope.

“The beautiful thing about Cancer Council is that no matter what type of cancer someone has, we’re here for them – and for their families and loved ones,” said Kate.

Sarah knows just what this means in practice, reflecting on how the support she received changed her life: “I thank my nurse counsellor from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to be vulnerable, to sit with my emotions, and to heal. I always looked forward to our sessions, and I’m forever grateful.”

Your kindness enables Cancer Council Victoria to provide this vital care. Together, we’re ensuring that no one faces cancer alone.