Practical Support
Being diagnosed with Head and Neck Cancer can cause extra stress in your life. Keeping organised and knowing where to find support can give you more time to concentrate on your treatment and recovery.
Keeping Organised
When you are having treatment, you will have a lot to think about. You may find it helpful to write a list of everything you need to do before, during and after treatment.
Checklists are a good way to plan for the future. Share your checklists with your family and friends so they know how they can help you.
Employment
You may like to keep working during your treatment to help you feel as normal as possible. Speak with your doctor to see if it is safe for you to continue working.
Sometimes, you may be too unwell to work. It is important to speak with your employer about your cancer diagnosis, so they know about your situation and can help you with sick leave, reduced hours or job sharing. If you find it difficult to speaking with your employer, a social worker can help negotiate some of these changes with you and your employer.
It may be helpful to know:
- if you are entitled to paid or unpaid leave from your work
- if your superannuation fund includes insurance or income protection to cover your lost income
Child Care
Finding care for your children during your cancer treatment can be difficult, especially if you need to travel for treatment. Asking for help to care for your children during this time is important. Family and friends can help by picking the children up from school and helping with family meals.
Travelling for Treatment
You may need to travel a long distance to see your doctor and have treatment, especially if you live in a rural or remote area.
Depending on your situation, you may be able to get help with the cost of your travel or accommodation. Each state and territory has a different scheme available for people travelling from regional and remote areas for cancer treatment.
More Information
Northern Territory
Department of Territory Families, Housing and Communities
NSW
Department of Community and Justice NSW
Queensland
Queensland Department of Communities, Housing and Digital Economy
South Australia
SA Housing Authority
Department of Human Services
Tasmania
Department of Communities Tasmania
Victoria
Department of Families, Fairness and Housing
Western Australia
Department of Communities WA
Federal:
