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.
Making decisions about cancer treatment takes courage. The treatment decision making process can feel overwhelming right now – you might be uncertain about which path to take, or worried about making the ‘right’ choice. These feelings are natural, and you don’t have to face these decisions alone. Whether you’ve just received your diagnosis or are dealing with returning cancer, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Our team is here to listen and support you.
Every person’s experience with cancer is unique, and you have the right to accept or decline any treatment offered to you. There’s no single ‘right’ choice in your cancer treatment decisions – what matters is finding the treatment plan that aligns with your personal needs, values and circumstances. Your healthcare team understands this, and they are there to support you through this process.
Many people worry that they need to decide about their treatment straight away. While some treatments may need to start quickly, you often have time to consider your options carefully. Your specialist can explain how soon treatment should begin and whether taking some time to think things through might affect your outcomes. It’s important that you feel comfortable with your decisions.
The path to making treatment decisions doesn’t have to be a lonely one. Your healthcare team can guide you through each step, and there are many ways they can help you feel more confident about your choices.
Your specialist will take time to explain all available treatment options to you, which is an essential part of treatment decision making. They’ll make sure you understand the potential benefits and side effects of each choice, how different treatments might affect your daily life, and the costs you should consider. Don’t be afraid to ask questions before making treatment decisions – it’s important that you’re fully informed, and you have every right to ask as many questions as you need to make you feel comfortable.
Everyone processes this news differently, so give yourself the time and space to absorb it and do what feels right for you.
Deciding whether to pursue treatment can be difficult. Some people choose treatment even if the benefit is small or short-lived, while others may focus on managing symptoms like pain or discomfort rather than pursuing active cancer treatments. You might prefer to spend time with loved ones without the interruption of treatment or opt for chemotherapy if it means enjoying a few good weeks each month.
Here are some things to consider when making your decision:
Many people find it helpful to bring a family member or friend to appointments. They can help take notes, ask questions you might not think of, or simply be there to listen and support you. If they can’t attend in person, many healthcare centres now offer the option for them to join via phone or video call.
It’s completely natural to want another specialist’s perspective, and you have every right to seek a second (or third or fourth) opinion when you’re making treatment decisions. A second opinion can help you feel more confident about your treatment choices, learn about additional options, or simply give you peace of mind. Your current specialist will understand this request and won’t be offended – many encourage it.
Your specialist will recommend treatments based on proven research and established guidelines. These guidelines ensure you receive the highest standard of care for your type of cancer, while still allowing your treatment to be tailored to your individual needs.
Your healthcare team is there to support you through every step of your journey. They welcome any questions that can help you to make cancer treatment decisions, and they want to help you understand your options clearly. You might want to ask questions like:
If you choose not to have treatment, your healthcare team will still provide supportive care to help manage your symptoms and maintain your quality of life. They’ll explain how your cancer might progress without treatment and ensure you have access to palliative care services if needed. Your decision can be changed at any time – you can choose to start treatment later if you change your mind.
While Medicare covers many cancer treatments in the public health system, some medications and treatments may have out-of-pocket costs. Speak to your healthcare team or a social worker about what costs you might face and what financial support is available.
The cost of cancer treatment varies widely depending on your situation, the type of treatment needed, whether you’re treated in the public or private system, and what medications you require. Your healthcare team can provide you with information about expected costs for your specific treatment plan.
Private health insurance coverage for cancer treatment depends on your level of cover and policy. Contact your health insurance provider to understand exactly what is covered under your policy. They can provide detailed information about out-of-pocket expenses you might face.
