When someone’s diagnosed with cancer, we all want to do everything we can to listen and help. However, one of the greatest sources of stress is often the hardest to talk about and can fly under the radar: the financial burden that comes with a cancer diagnosis.

To support Queenslanders and their families, we’ve recently launched a free Financial Counselling Service. We sat down with Kylee, a Financial Counsellor at Cancer Council Queensland, to learn more about the program.

Families often experience a loss of income, as people may need to take time off work for treatment or caregiving responsibilities. The costs of cancer treatment – such as hospital bills, medications, and specialist consultations – are sometimes not covered, and can quickly add up. And then there’s things like home care and travelling for medical appointments. The strain can be even greater for those living in rural or regional areas. Navigating insurance claims, understanding eligibility for government financial assistance, and managing mounting debts can also add to the stress.

Our role is to help families address these financial burdens, find the support available, and ensure they can focus on their care without the overwhelming worry about money.

Financial Counsellors complete a Diploma in Financial Counselling, which equips them with the specialised knowledge and skills needed to support people facing financial hardship – particularly when faced with situations like cancer. Our Financial Counsellors also hold registrations with Financial Counsellors’ Association Queensland.

Queenslanders should call 13 11 20. Our appointments are available by phone or video conferencing, Monday to Friday. We also offer face-to-face appointments at our Brisbane office. The service is free to all Queenslanders over the age of 18 who have been impacted by a cancer diagnosis.

At Cancer Council Queensland we can also provide direct financial assistance in the form of fuel and grocery vouchers for eligible Queenslanders who are undergoing cancer treatment.

Australian research shows approximately 1 in 3 cancer cases can be prevented through healthy lifestyle choices like drinking less alcohol, quitting smoking and using sun protection. By adopting these six key lifestyle behaviours, you can help reduce your cancer risk and improve early detection.

Be smoke free 
The best thing you can do for your health is to not smoke or vape. Help is available by calling Quitline on 13 78 48.

Use sun protection 
Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide when UV levels are 3 or above.
 
Be physically active  
Try and get movement in every day.
 
Eat a healthy diet  
The evidence is clear: more fruit, vegetables and fibre, less red meat and avoid processed meats.

Limit alcohol   
When it comes to cancer, unfortunately there’s no “safe level” of alcohol consumption – do your best to limit your alcohol consumption. 

Know what’s normal for you, and take part in screening
Early detection saves lives, so know your body, see your doctor if you notice any unusual changes, and participate in the National Cancer Screening Programs.

Smoking – 10% of Queensland adults are daily smokers

Sun protection – 49% of Queenslanders were sunburnt in the last year

Being physically active – National guidelines recommend a minimum of 2.5 hours of moderate physical activity per week, or 1 hour 15 minutes of intense physical activity per week. 24% of Queenslanders 15 years and older meet the national guidelines.

Eating a healthy diet – National guidelines recommend we have at least 2 serves of fruit and 5 serves of vegetables a day. Only 4% of us meet the national guidelines for fruit and veggie consumption.

Limiting alcohol – It’s recommended we drink no more than 4 standard drinks a day, or 10 standard drinks a week. However, 37% of us currently drink more than the national guidelines.

Participation in cancer screening – In Australia, there are three national cancer screening programs. 38% of eligible Queenslanders have taken part in bowel cancer screening. 52% of eligible Queenslanders have taken part in breast cancer screening (through BreastScreen Queensland), and 56% of eligible Queenslanders have taken part in cervical cancer screening.

That’s still a lot of Queenslanders due for a screening! If you’re overdue, book in today.

See how you’re doing!

Try out our free Cancer Risk Calculator

Every year, many children across the state will be touched by the cancer diagnosis of someone they care about.

Together with Queensland Health, we recently launched a new story, When Mitzy the Foggle Got Cancer, to help caregivers and healthcare professionals start important conversations about cancer with children in an age-appropriate way.

The story was specially designed by psychologist Joanna Mangan. Joanna worked with families going through cancer for many years as one of our psychologists here at Cancer Council Queensland.

Kara’s story

Local politician Kara Cook says “I’ve had three melanomas in my lifetime so far and am regularly checked for cancer every three to four months. I have three children myself, so I’m explaining to my kids my cancer experience every time I need to get checked or have minor procedures”

“Having these conversations around cancer can be really challenging for parents and for families. We all want to protect our kids. So having a resource like this book is just invaluable.’

“In the story, Squish the Foggle travels the journey with Mitzy, and changes colours depending on how they’re feeling. So sometimes they might be feeling sad, or happy, or questioning. I think those emotions are the emotions every child and every family travels throughout that cancer journey.”

Tips for parents, grandparents and carers when it comes to explaining a cancer diagnosis to children.

First, find out what they already know – It can be helpful to start by finding out what a child has heard, noticed, or started to imagine about cancer. This gives you a chance to correct any misunderstandings and address any worries.

Try to use real words – like ‘cancer’ to avoid creating confusion.

Be truthful and hopeful  – Let them know a medical team is working very hard to help the person diagnosed with cancer.

Encourage questions –  In the story, Squish has a lot of questions. You could encourage them to ask as many questions as they like, too. Share with the child what you do know and be honest when you don’t have all the answers.  

Reassure them – Let them know there will always be someone looking after them, no matter what.

Make them feel included - It can also be a good idea to include children in caring for someone living with cancer in small ways – children can do little things like bringing a snack, getting the person a glass of water, or giving them a blanket, and this helps them to feel like they are helping, too.

Order your free copy of the book or watch the animation today.

The days are getting shorter and the temperatures are dropping; winter is here.

During the colder months, there is a greater tendency to rug up and stay in the warm indoors and eat comfort foods.

But with it, winter brings an increased chance of illness, so here are some tips to keep away the winter blues!

One, boost your diet. Fill your plate with plenty of seasonal fruits and vegetables so your body has adequate amounts of nutrition and energy, therefore keeping your immune system strong. Vegetables soups or stews are an easy way to get a large quantity of vitamins, minerals and fibre to keep you strong and healthy throughout the season.

Two, stay hydrated. Unlike summer, dehydration is less noticeable during the colder months. It’s important to ensure you are still drinking plenty of water each day. Even mild dehydration can lead to headaches, fatigue and problems with concentration. If cold water is too much handle in the cold weather, try mixing it with some boiled water with lemon.

Three, keep exercising. The chilly mornings and evenings can make it easier to rug up and stay indoors, but it’s important to maintain regular exercise throughout winter. Make your physical activity social and fun – go for a brisk walk with family or participate in some indoor fitness classes. Regular exercise naturally improves your health and fitness, putting your body in a better position to fight off any potential colds or infections.

Four, sleep well. Studies show that people who don’t get enough sleep are more likely to get sick after being exposed to bacteria or viruses, such as the common cold. How much sleep you get also affects how quickly you recover from your sickness. The average adult needs about eight hours of sleep to fully recharge. Set a regular sleep schedule, avoid caffeinated drinks in the afternoon or evening, limit screen-use before bed and ensure your room is a comfortable temperature. Being too cold (or too hot!) can affect your brain’s ability to switch off.

Five, consider hygiene and be careful around people. Wash your hands often, especially before you eat and before you touch your eyes, nose or mouth. Carrying an alcohol-based hand sanitiser in your bag can assist with cleaning your hands when you are in a public place. Don’t share the same glass, utensils or towels as other, and be careful anyone who has who has as fever, cold or flu.

It is imperative we do all we can to stay healthy this winter, not only for yourself, but also for those who have lower immunity, such as young children, the elderly and those who have health conditions such as cancer. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is also important for those living with cancer, as it can assist through and after treatment and help with your mental and physical well-being.

If you’ve been run off your feet all week, a Girls’ Night In movie night – complete with a pile of blankets, snacks and your besties – is the only answer.

So, call up your friends, get your snacks in order and spend a night in. You can donate what you would have spent on a night out, to vital work in prevention, education and research into women’s cancers.

You don’t even have to stress about choosing what to watch…we’ve rounded up 30 flicks that practically require you to view them in the presence of your favourite gal pals.

From love stories to hilarious flicks, these movies will help you ease into the weekend—with your BFFs by your side. Plus, you’ve likely seen them before, so you can catch up on what’s been happening in each other’s lives without worrying about missing plot clues.

My Best Friend’s Wedding

The unrequited love and heartbreak tugs at your heart strings.

27 Dresses

Always a bridesmaid, never a bride – so relatable. This is the perfect movie to get in the mood if you’ve got a big wedding season ahead.

The Notebook

This might be the most romantic movie of all time. The love triangle. The old couple reminiscing. Make sure to have some tissues on hand

Dear John

Again with the tears. Who doesn’t love a chick flick with Channing Tatum?

Love Actually

Nothing really needs to be said here…apart from, why wait until Christmas to watch this gem?!

Bridesmaids

What goes better together than love and comedy? Everyone wants to be the maid of honour.

Clueless

As if! Get into 90s nostalgia with Cher and her friends, who have the ridiculous outfits and hilarious one-liners to lift your mood.

The Devil Wears Prada

Need a little motivation to follow your dreams? New jobs are always interesting…and the fashion alone makes this movie worth a watch.

The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants

There is nothing more awesome than watching four best friends going on adventures and generally being there for each other.

Ever After

We all love a movie that ends with happily ever after.

Crazy Stupid Love

Divorce, new relationships, Ryan Gosling – it has it all!

Pitch Perfect

From the singing to the non-stop jokes, this is one flick you can’t watch too many times. You could even have a Lip Sync Battle to the songs!

Dirty Dancing

Who wouldn’t want to spend summer at a resort with a gorgeous dance instructor?

Mean Girls

Some of the mean girl moments are out of control, but it’s the only flick that includes “mathletes”, puking on a crush, and a person getting hit by a bus and still making it to prom.

Legally Blonde

Sure, a bit ditzy – but #girlpower. You can’t beat a plot line focused on a woman smashing everyone’s expectations.

10 Things I Hate About You

Based on Shakepeare’s ‘Taming of the Shrew’ and featuring Heath Ledger, this movie is sweet, funny and “just too good to be true”.

Friends with Benefits

Attractive actors, a typical romcom story line and a happy, sappy ending. The complete chick flick package.

Bridget Jones’ Diary

Watching Bridget may help you realise how much you *actually* do have your life together. And, who doesn’t love Hugh Grant?

Letters to Juliet

A modern twist on the timeless classic.

My Big Fat Greek Wedding

Awkward in all the right ways. A classic comedy and chick flick. Plus, you can watch the sequel afterwards!

Mamma Mia

Get ready to bust out some tunes.

Notting Hill

We all wish we were dating a movie star. Another Hugh Grant classic.

Pretty in Pink

When in doubt, break out a classic.

Sweet Home Alabama

No one forgets their first love.

The Vow

Rachel McAdams does it again.

Two Weeks’ Notice

Hugh Grant again…well, he was the rom com king. Opposites attract in this cute flick.

The Holiday

Jude Law brings the accent, while Jack Black brings the humour. Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz as the female leads – #winning.

Leap Year

Based off an old Irish folklore tradition where a woman can propose to a man on a leap day. It’s quite a predictable movie but it will definitely make you go ‘aww!’

No Reservations

Warning: You may have to fill up with the popcorn, with all the food shots in this film. The plot is based on Kate, a chef who struggles with life after learning she’s the guardian of her late sister’s daughter, until Nick, who’s personality is the complete opposite, comes into the picture.

The Proposal

Witty and adorable.

Excited to have a movie night?

Join women across the state who will host or attend a Girls’ Night In this year! Whether it’s an intimate evening with your besties or an online gathering, we know it’ll be a blast!

All funds raised will be invested in vital cancer research, patient support services and prevention programs for women affected by breast and gynaecological cancers.

When you register, you’ll receive a free host kit to help you get the party started.

Register to host a Girls’ Night In

Girls’ Night In is the perfect excuse to catch up with friends for a good cause! Parties are often all about the food and drinks, which can make it hard to stick to healthy habits. With these tips, the good news is that your night in doesn’t have to be overly indulgent!

You don’t have to deprive yourself or your guests from delicious snacks and treats. Instead, try these simple options to help make it a night to remember whilst keeping it healthy.

Roasted chickpeas
Toss chickpeas with spices and macadamia oil and bake in the oven until crispy.

Fruit kebabs with yoghurt dip
A colourful crowd-pleaser – elevate your favourite fruit by adding them onto skewers. Then why not give them a delicious yoghurt dip for a creamy flavour contrast?

Peanut butter apples
Drizzle apple slices with warm peanut butter and top with granola and dried fruit for a healthy dessert.

Nice cream
At its simplest, nice cream is frozen bananas blended up into soft serve, but add in additional ingredients like almond butter, berries or nuts, and it’s like you are making your own custom ice cream.

Sweet potato or zucchini chips
Slice the sweet potatoes as thinly as possible to maximise the crispiness. Add some tahini dressing or avocado dip.

DIY trail mix
Combine your favourite unsalted nuts with some cranberries and dark chocolate chips.

Air-popped popcorn
Always a great addition to a girls night, especially when you’re watching a movie, opt for plain popcorn without the added butter and salt.

Dark chocolate dipped strawberries or bananas
Melt dark chocolate in a pot the night before and dip the fruit into it before placing it on a tray with baking paper, before putting them in the freezer.

Vegetable platter
Carrots, cucumbers or capsicum slices with some hummus or avocado dip.

Jug of non-alcoholic drink
Add a selection of sliced fruit and herbs with mineral water to feel satisfied without the added sugar or alcohol. Mint, cucumber and lemon is a popular flavour, or try strawberries and lime.

Now you’ve got what you’ll be snacking on sorted, it’s time to sign up to support Queenslanders impacted by a women’s cancer.

When you register as a Girls’ Night In host, you’ll receive a host kit packed with everything you need, including ideas, tips and promotional materials to use at your event such as posters and cards.

Register to host a Girls’ Night In

Five years ago, Robyn Fanning joined Cancer Council Queensland’s support team. This month, she sat down with us to share her passion for working with patients and carers at our Gluyas Rotary lodge in Townsville.

I joined Cancer Council Queensland because I wanted a rewarding role where I could make a positive impact. I enjoy sitting and having a cuppa with the residents, giving them the opportunity to share their story. It’s my job to listen and ensure they have access to support and services when they’re most vulnerable and distressed.

Often, you’re surprised at what’s most important at that point in time – animals and gardens really matter to them. In the North you hear people asking, “Who is going to water my garden? Will my roses die?” 

The practical impacts of cancer are the priority for people before dealing with the emotional aspects.

My role is also about supporting carers. I gently remind them it is important to prioritise their own self-care and seek the help they need.

“People sometimes assume my work would be depressing. It’s quite the opposite, the hope, inspiration, and courage that people have inspires every day.”

Travelling to rural and remote communities showed me how their needs differ from people in the city. Thankfully advances in medical technology have meant people don’t need to be away from home as long as they used to. I recall women with breast cancer opting to have a mastectomy vs. lumpectomy and radiation just to minimize their time away from home.