What are the best resources for cancer patients and their families

When cancer impacts your family, especially when it’s a child diagnosed, life changes overnight. Between hospital visits, disrupted routines, and emotional strain, it’s never an easy road. The good news is that Australia has a strong network of trusted organisations offering practical, emotional, and financial support.  

Cancer Hub provides a free and dedicated cancer navigation service – a holistic, case management approach that supports the whole family. Skilled Cancer Navigators work closely with families to understand their unique situation and connect each family member with the practical, emotional, and financial support they need throughout the cancer experience   

Understanding the different types of support 

Cancer doesn’t just affect the person diagnosed – it impacts the whole family.  

• Emotional support helps families manage fear, anxiety, and uncertainty through counselling, play therapy, or peer groups.  

• Practical help includes transport to treatment, meal delivery, home assistance, and financial aid.  

• Reliable information offers clarity about treatment and side effects, while peer connection helps kids and adults alike feel less alone. 

• Early access to the right mix of support can reduce stress, protect mental health, and help families stay connected through the challenges ahead.

Top national organisations and services 

• Camp Quality is one of Australia’s leading childhood cancer charities. For over 40 years, it’s been helping kids aged 0–15 facing cancer, and their families, get life back on track. Through Family Camps, Fun Days, Family Getaways, and hospital programs, Camp Quality gives families a break from cancer and a chance to make happy memories. School education programs help students understand cancer and create more empathetic school communities which reduces bullying.
• Canteen supports young people (aged 12-25) who are dealing with their own diagnosis, a close family member’s cancer or the death of a loved one. Canteen provides specialised counselling, career support and opportunities for teens and young adults to connect with others in similar situations.

• Redkite provides a holistic approach to essential support to children and young people facing cancer, aged 0-18, and their families. This includes counselling, financial assistance, online information and support, as well as practical resources at diagnosis, whilst in hospital, through treatment and beyond. 

Local and community-based support 

• Local networks can be vital. Hospital social workers and cancer care coordinators help families manage appointments, travel, and accommodation. 
• Community centres, local councils, and community groups often provide meals, childcare, or small grants to families under pressure.  
• Support groups – whether for parents, children, or carers – give people space to share experiences and find strength in community. 

Online Resources and Digital Tools 

Digital tools and websites can help families stay organised and informed. Reliable sources such as Cancer Council Australia and Cancer Australia provide evidence-based information about diagnosis, treatment, and side effects.  

• Cancer Hub offers counselling for child patients and siblings (0 -25) and adults. Visit the Cancer Hub website or call 1800 431 312 for more information. 
• Camp Quality’s Kids’ Guide to Cancer delivers the facts about cancer and treatment in a way that kids understand. You can download the app or view the information online. 
• Canteen Connect is a free, online community for young people aged 12–25 who are impacted by cancer – whether it’s their own diagnosis or that of a close family member.  

Practical help for day-to-day life 

When a child has cancer, parents often juggle work, hospital stays, home duties and taking care of the other children in the family.  

• Financial counsellors can assist with budgeting, insurance, and navigating government benefits. Redkite can assist with funds to cover mortgage/rent, bills, groceries and fuel. Local assistance may also be available. 

• Meal delivery and cleaning services reduce day-to-day stress. 

• State-based patient transport schemes can ease the financial burden of travelling for treatment. 

The availability of services will vary depending on location. Your GP, hospital staff, council and local health departments can offer advice for your area. 

Caring for the whole family 

Cancer affects everyone – not just the patient. Siblings may feel left out, parents can experience burnout, and grandparents often step in to help. 

Redkite and Canteen provide counselling and peer support tailored to different age groups and stages of life. Camp Quality specialises in supporting the whole family, with programs designed to strengthen relationships, boost resilience, and help families heal from the trauma of cancer. 

For families facing loss, grief and bereavement, resources are available through each of these organisations to help you navigate the road ahead with care and understanding. 

In a mental health emergency, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14. 

How Cancer Hub can help families navigate available services 

Cancer Hub’s Cancer Navigators work closely with families to understand their unique situation and connect each family member with the practical, emotional, and financial support they need throughout the cancer experience.  

Cancer navigators can: 

• Complement local hospital workers, as well as accessing national resources. 

• Provide their service nationally, and can support families who don’t regularly have access to hospital support services. 

• Offer continuity of care for families transitioning from hospital to community support settings. 

• Collaborate with the hospital social worker to achieve the best outcomes for the family.  

Call 1800 945 215 or visit the Cancer Hub website to speak with a member of the team. You don’t have to navigate cancer alone.