You might feel overwhelmed, scared, anxious or upset if you have been diagnosed with cancer – these are all normal feelings. It’s very important to have support from family, friends, health professionals or other services to help you cope with cancer.

Living with cancer has information about physical, emotional and practical issues during and after diagnosis and treatment.

Cancer Australia’s resource Cancer – how are you travelling? provides information to help you understand the emotional and social impact of cancer.

There are also two resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to help you to know what to expect:

• Checking for cancer – what to expect
• Cancer – what to expect

The Cancer Council published a guideline called Understanding vulvar and vaginal cancers: a guide for people with cancer, their families and friends, which provides more information about these 2 cancer types.

The Cancer Council in your state or territory can give you general information about cancer, as well as information on resources and support groups in your local area. Call the Cancer Council Helpline from anywhere in Australia for the cost of a local call on 13 11 20.

Other cancer support organisations can also help you and your loved ones deal with the challenges of cancer. WeCan offers cancer supportive care across Australia.