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.
Cancer can affect your life in many ways, and your working life is no different. Whether you work full-time, part-time, casually or run your own business, it can help to understand your options and rights, so you can make informed decisions about how you manage your treatment and whether you keep working during cancer treatment.
Our team is here to listen and support you.
Most people who want to continue working after a cancer diagnosis can do so in some way. You may be able to continue with your work in the same way you always have, or you may find it beneficial to alter your hours or your duties.|
Your ability to continue working with cancer can depend on:
Working with cancer is different for everyone – there’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. Take time to consider your options, talk with your healthcare team, your family and your employer about what might work best for you.
Many people find that continuing to work provides a sense of normality, purpose and connection during their treatment, while others may need to step back and focus on their health.
Your employer should be able to help you with flexible work arrangements (see more about their legal obligations below). Flexible arrangements can help you to keep working with cancer, and they can include:
An occupational therapist can help you to create a plan that helps you to do your job and discuss it with your employer. Once you’ve agreed on a plan, put your request in writing. Your employer has 21 days to let you know if they choose to reject it.
If they do, and you feel their rejection is unreasonable, the Fair Work Ombudsman or anti-discrimination agency in your state or territory can provide support and advice on what to do next.
Under Australian law, cancer is considered a disability, which provides you with important workplace protections. Your employer must make reasonable adjustments to help you continue working – these could be changes to your workspace, duties, or working hours to accommodate your needs during treatment and recovery.
The law protects you from being dismissed because of your cancer diagnosis. You also have the right to request flexible working arrangements, such as adjusting your start and finish times or working from home. Your employer must consider these requests and can only refuse them on reasonable business grounds.
While there is no specific sick leave for cancer patients, you are entitled to use your personal leave for treatment and medical appointments. If you’ve been with your employer for at least 12 months, you have additional protections when taking time off for illness.
Your privacy is also protected – if you tell your employer about your diagnosis, they must keep this information confidential unless you give permission to share it. They can only disclose this information without your consent if there’s a serious health and safety risk to others in the workplace.
These legal protections exist to help you maintain your employment while managing your health. If you feel your rights aren’t being respected, the Fair Work Ombudsman or anti-discrimination agency in your state or territory can provide support and advice and support.
When you’re going through cancer treatment, you may need to take sick leave for cancer treatment, such as appointments, treatment sessions, or recovery. But there are several types of leave available to help you balance your health needs with work commitments.
If you’re a permanent employee (full-time or part-time), you’re entitled to paid personal leave when you’re unwell or need medical treatment. This includes time for cancer-related appointments and recovery. Full-time employees receive at least 10 days of paid personal leave each year, while part-time employees receive a proportional amount based on their hours.
You may choose to use your annual leave entitlements for treatment and recovery time. Full-time employees receive four weeks of annual leave each year, and part-time employees receive this on a proportional basis. Talk to your employer about how to best use your annual leave to support your needs.
If you’ve worked continuously for your employer for an extended period (usually 7-10 years), you may be eligible for long service leave. This can provide additional paid time off for your treatment and recovery. The amount of leave and qualifying period varies between states and territories.
If you’ve used all your paid leave entitlements, or if you’re a casual employee, you may be able to arrange unpaid leave with your employer. While this isn’t a formal entitlement, many employers will try to accommodate your needs during cancer treatment.
You might find it helpful to combine different types of leave to create a flexible arrangement of cancer leave that works for you. Your employer can help you understand your leave balance and options for taking time off when you need it.
Remember to:
Your employer or HR department can explain your specific leave entitlements under your employment agreement.
Several support options are available to help you maintain financial stability while you focus on your health during cancer treatment.
Many employers offer insurance coverage for their staff. Talk to your HR department or manager about any insurance policies that might help, such as:
You may have income protection insurance through your own arrangements or as part of your superannuation. This type of insurance typically pays a portion of your salary if you’re unable to work due to illness. Check your insurance policies or contact your insurer to understand:
Your superannuation fund may include insurance coverage that can help during cancer treatment. Contact your fund to find out
You may be eligible for payments or support through government agencies. Options include:
Around 5,000 Australians are diagnosed each year with work-related cancers – often in roles that involve exposure to excessive sunlight, toxic dusts, chemicals or ionising radiation.
Depending on the type of cancer you have, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation. Ask your state or territory’s Law Society to refer you to a workers compensation lawyer. If you decide to make a claim, the WorkSafe Authority in your state or territory can guide you. You could consider a claim against your employer but there is a limited window of time in which you can do this, so seek legal advice as soon as you can.
Yes, you can work with cancer. For many people, work is not just an income, it’s a sense of normality, routine and social connection. People going through cancer continue to work during their treatment and after.
By Australian law, employers must make reasonable adjustments to a work environment, or work schedule to accommodate the employee and keep them working.
Working during a cancer treatment like radiotherapy is manageable. Learn about the symptoms to expect and talk with your health professionals and your employer so they can make reasonable adjustments to keep you working.
Working during cancer treatment is common. By understanding the symptoms you’re likely to have, and by working with your employer, you can create a plan that accommodates your treatment schedule, while factoring in your expected symptoms.
