Get involved and help Queenslanders living with cancer by volunteering. Volunteers are the heart of our organisation. Join us to make a greater impact and connect with like-minded people.
Every contribution helps support those living with cancer. Whether a one-off donation or monthly gift, your support ensures funding stability for long-term goals and future generations.
Leave a legacy by including a gift in your Will, starting a tribute page for a loved one, or funding a research grant for early-career cancer researchers driving clinical innovations.
Organise a fundraising event in your community, either as a team or an individual. You can join one of our existing fundraising events or you might like to come up with your own way.
When organisations work together, we can have a greater impact for every Queenslander going through cancer and help amplify our message for all Australians.
However you get involved, you’re making a direct impact on the lives of Queenslanders affected by cancer. See the results of what we’ve all achieved.
Being diagnosed with cancer can be one of the most challenging and overwhelming experiences you’ll go through. There are no right or wrong reactions, but the more you understand about the process and what support is available, the better equipped you’ll be to cope with it. We’re here to help you learn ways to cope with the practical and emotional aspects of a cancer diagnosis, as well as where to seek help and how to adapt to the new normal of dealing with a cancer diagnosis.
Our team is here to listen and support you.
While the physical impacts of cancer are often at the forefront of our mind when we hear the words ‘cancer diagnosis’, the emotional impact of this news – along with the ongoing challenge of dealing with cancer – can be just as significant.
You might find your initial reaction is somewhat numbed by shock, and waves of emotion impact you at different stages of your experience. Alternatively, you might find the initial shock the most difficult to deal with and adapt to the emotions better as time goes on. Everyone deals with cancer differently, and there is no ‘right or wrong’ way. Going through cancer can be a long, difficult process, laced with uncertainty and unforeseen twists in the road. First and foremost, it’s important to give yourself the space to feel all the emotions as they arise.
Remember support is available at every stage, and you are never alone as you face this.
Sharing your cancer diagnosis with others can be challenging. It’s normal to feel uneasy or unsure about how to approach the conversation, how you’ll react, or how others might respond. However, opening up to family and friends can help ease some of the burden, allowing you to share your worries and fears. Remember, you don’t have to go through this alone.
Opening up to others can feel daunting and for some makes the situation feel “real”, but it can also bring comfort and connection during a difficult time.
If you tell your employer about your diagnosis, they must keep this information confidential unless you give permission to share it.
Dealing with a cancer diagnosis can feel like an emotional rollercoaster and is not linear. At any stage of the process, you might feel any of the following emotions:
Understanding that these emotions are normal is the first step in adapting to them. The second step is understanding how and where to access the right mental and emotional support to continue living a fulfilling life while dealing with cancer, as well as coping with the emotional rollercoaster as best you can.
When someone you love is diagnosed with cancer, the emotions you feel can be just as powerful and overwhelming as those experienced by your loved one. Some studies show in certain instances, the feeling of helplessness can be exacerbated when you’re not the person with cancer, because you can feel powerless to help them. This is particularly true when a child, parent or spouse has been diagnosed with cancer.
It’s important to remember your own self-care is vital supporting a loved one through cancer. You’re not alone in shouldering the burden of their care, and as much as you want to protect them throughout the process, accessing help for yourself will make the care you offer more productive.
While the emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis is significant, information and education can be powerful tools of hope. In Australia, the rates of cancer survival continue to improve over time, and every year new treatment options, research and technology combine to make outcomes more hopeful.
While it can be difficult to feel hope when you’re reeling from the shock of diagnosis, remember facing that your own mortality is something that can shift your perspective, but arming yourself with information about your cancer, and talking to your doctor about what to expect can help manage a lot of the anxiety.
If you’ve been told your cancer is advanced, finding hope can feel like more of a challenge, but even in this circumstance, it’s important to remember advanced cancer can often be controlled for many years. If you’ve been told time is limited, prioritising the things that matter most to you, like time spent with loved ones, can be a helpful shift in perspective.
