THERE continues to be demand for cancer support services from across Victoria, with Cancer Council Victoria’s team of experienced nurses responding to 10,614 enquiries between January 1 and November 30, 2025.<\/p>\n
Cancer Council Victoria’s 13 11 20 cancer information and support line is available to anyone affected\u00a0by cancer.<\/p>\n
With one in two Victorians diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85, chances are most Victorians have been touched by cancer in one way or another.<\/p>\n
However, according to Cancer Council Victoria’s head of strategy and support Danielle Spence, many Victorians may still be unaware of the breadth of help and support available.<\/p>\n
“13 11 20 is free, confidential, and available for anyone affected by cancer who has a question or is seeking trusted information, whether it’s those living with a diagnosis or their family, friends, and carers,” Spence said.<\/p>\n
“Our cancer nurses can also refer you to our phone-based counsellors, financial counsellors or peer support network to speak with someone who has had a similar cancer experience.<\/p>\n
“We know that nearly 11,000 Victorians will call 13 11 20 this year, whether it’s seeking information to help them manage their cancer journey or discussing a broad range of issues and challenges. In fact, so far this year, more than 4,000 people reached out seeking psychological and emotional support.<\/p>\n
“But we also know support managing the complexities of cancer means these numbers could be bigger. So often our team will connect with someone who has gone through a cancer experience \u2013 whether directly or via a loved one \u2013 and they will tell us that they wish they had known about our support services\u00a0much earlier.”<\/p>\n
Ms Spence urged Victorians to continue to use 13 11 20 and spread the word about the support freely available.<\/p>\n
“This year’s numbers are again showing us that Victorians affected by cancer are facing many challenges and this continues to include dealing with cost-of-living pressures. At a time when health is compromised, dealing with financial strain can be overwhelming, especially those who are unable to work due to the side effects of treatment,” she said.<\/p>\n
“Some people are even telling us that, for the first time, they are having to tap into their life savings or access welfare to just to make ends meet.”<\/p>\n
She said the festive period could also be an isolating time for those affected by cancer.<\/p>\n
“Feelings of sadness and loneliness can be stronger at this time, as we start anticipating family get-togethers some individuals may worry their emotions could dampen the occasion for others.<\/p>\n
“Please contact our experienced cancer nurses who can help you navigate to the support you need. Nobody should have to go through a cancer experience alone or with the fear of not being able to makes ends meet \u2013 and that’s what makes a service like 13 11 20 so important.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THERE continues to be demand for cancer support services from across Victoria, with Cancer Council Victoria’s team of experienced nurses responding to 10,614 enquiries between January 1 and November 30, 2025. Cancer Council Victoria’s 13 11 20 cancer information and support line is available to anyone affected\u00a0by cancer. With one in two Victorians diagnosed with […]<\/p>\n