Health workers
If you are a health worker, Cancer Council is here to help you support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples affected by cancer. Health workers can access free information resources for patients and families, as well as a range of support services.
To order copies of any of these resources, visit our Resource Hub, call Cancer Council 13 11 20, or click on the headings below.
Our Cancer and your mob brochure explains how Cancer Council can support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples after a cancer diagnosis.
It includes information about our support and information services, such as transport to treatment, help with bill or legal worries, and how to yarn to other people affected by cancer.
Call 13 11 20 for printed copies for your patients.
These easy-to-read fact sheets for patients and families have been produced in collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and peoples.
Health workers can download PDFs from the links below. Some fact sheets are also available in print – to request multiple copies, download our order form from the Resource Hub, email our Publications team, or call Cancer Council 13 11 20.
Patients and families can also find the information at About cancer or call Cancer Council 13 11 20 to request individual printed copies.
About cancer
- What is cancer? – also in print
- Talking about cancer (includes question checklist) – also in print
- What does this word mean? (includes glossary)
Cancer treatment
- Making treatment decisions – also in print
- Cancer treatment
- Surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Natural therapies and cancer
- What is palliative care?
Cancer types
- Breast cancer – also in print
- Bowel cancer – also in print
- Cervical cancer
- Head and neck cancer
- Leukaemia
- Lung cancer – also in print
- Lymphoma
- Prostate cancer – also in print
- Uterine cancer
Getting support
- Finding practical support during cancer treatment – also in print
- Looking after someone with cancer – also in print
- Help getting to treatment
- Help with money
- How can I help (ways family and friends can help)
Sharing stories is a powerful way to help people feel less alone.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with cancer and their families and friends can visit Our stories to find stories from others who have gone through a similar experience:
- Stories book: Aboriginal Cancer Journeys
- Online stories
- Online videos
If a patient or family member would like to share their story with Cancer Council, they can visit Share your story on the Cancer Council NSW website and fill in the form.
Visit the Resource Hub on the Cancer Council NSW website to search for more Cancer Council resources for people affected by cancer.
These include:
- Understanding Cancer series – more than 60 booklets and fact sheets for people diagnosed with cancer and their families and friends; available online and in print
- Legal and financial fact sheets – information for people with cancer about debts, superannuation, life insurance and other common questions
- Workplace fact sheets – information for managers and HR professionals supporting employees with cancer
- Podcasts – The Thing About Cancer; The Thing About Advanced Cancer; Finding Calm During Cancer
- Videos – information videos (search the Resource Hub); exercise videos
Cancer Council offers a range of support services to help people manage the emotional, physical and practical impacts of cancer.
Learn more in Getting support on this website, and in the Health Professionals section on the Cancer Council NSW website.
Websites about cancer
- Our Mob and Cancer – information about cancer including cancer types, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, living with cancer, finding support and clinical trials. Developed by Cancer Australia with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
- Cancer Australia – resources for health professionals, includes optimal care pathway for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with cancer.
- The Cancer Institute NSW – the Aboriginal Cancer Partnership Project.
- Cervical Screening NSW – information about cervical screening for Aboriginal women.
- Aboriginal Quitline – non-judgemental and empowering support to Aboriginal people who want to quit smoking or vaping
- Tackling Tobacco Program – a partnership with social and community service organisations to address smoking.
- iHeard – a website where you can ask questions and get facts about cancer.
Websites about health
- Indigenous HealthInfoNet – information and resources about how to prevent and/or minimise the harm associated with cancer among Aboriginal people.
- National Indigenous Cancer Network (NiCAN) – a network and online resource for sharing evidence-based information and resources about cancer in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
- Menzies School of Health Research – a medical research institute dedicated to improving Indigenous health and wellbeing.
In this video, learn how yarning circles make people feel comfortable enough to share their cancer stories, which helps them talk through their unique challenges and find the right support services.