For most workplaces, the transition back to work will be phased in order to meet physical distancing requirements, though employers are able to decide which employees should return first.   Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth), for employees with a disability, including those who are immunocompromised, workplaces do need to consider and make reasonable adjustments to ensure employees are able to perform their role in a productive and safe environment.   If you are immunocompromised or your treatment team has recommended you continue working from home, then you may need a letter from your doctor explaining your individual circumstances, and the high level of risk posed to you. It is best to first discuss this with your manager or your workplaces human resources department.   If you need information or practical support you can speak to our trained staff on 13 11 20. ... View more

The decision to return to work will depend on your individual circumstances and the level of risk posed to you, so it is best to discuss this with your treatment team.   If you do decide to return to work, it is important to take practical steps in reducing your risk of exposure, including: Maintaining a 1.5 metre physical distance and avoiding handshakes. Avoiding public transport if possible, in particular during peak hour. Practicing good hygiene – regular handwashing, use of hand sanitisers, avoid touching eyes, nose and the mouth. Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces at least daily. Avoiding people who are sick or do have symptoms Avoid shared dining spaces and shared equipment. Ideally pack a lunch to take and wipe your eating surface before and after eating. It is a good idea to also download the COVIDSafe app, as it will help you to know if you may have come into contact with someone who has COVID-19 so that you will be able to take additional precautions and pursue any necessary follow up, as soon as possible. For more information and to download the app visit the COVIDSafe web page. ... View more

It is normal to feel anxious and concerned about what easing restrictions will mean for you. Your treatment team will be able to give you the best advice for you however, if you have a compromised immune system, it is likely your treatment team will recommend that you need to continue to self-isolate as much as possible to keep yourself safe.   If your treating team inform you that you do not need to continue self-isolating, following the government’s recommendations will still be essential in helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19. We also recommend everyone downloads the COVIDSafe app.   If you need practical support or assistance during this time, you can call our 13 11 20 information and support line. Or you may like to discuss your concerns in our Cancer and COVID-19 forum, here in the Online Community.   Resources the COVIDSafe app Cancer and COVID-19 forum ... View more

A cancer diagnosis can be a stressful time and can be even more so during this COVID-19 situation. There may be some adjustments to the type of surgery you have, where the surgery will be performed or the timing of your surgery. Decisions to make these necessary adjustments are made by your clinical team to ensure your safety and that your treatment does go ahead. If your surgery continues to be postponed you are able to seek a second opinion from another specialist.   While some non-essential surgeries may have been suspended these are now resuming so you should talk to your treating team about what the changes mean to you.   If you have any concerns, contact your health professional or call Cancer Council on 13 11 20. ... View more

While there is no vaccine for COVID-19, there is one for the flu (influenza). Cancer Council endorses the Department of Health’s recommendations for people receiving the flu vaccination which includes vaccination for those with higher risk of complications from the flu including people with cancer.   This year, it is more important to be vigilant about the flu because of the COVID-19 pandemic.   If you have or have had cancer your doctor may recommend getting both the flu shot and the pneumococcal vaccination. If it has been recommended for you, it is important for you to get the vaccination to protect yourself.   If you cannot get the vaccination, encourage family and friends you are interacting with to get vaccinated, as this will avoid them passing the infection on to you, which can put you at higher risk of serious illness if you are immunocompromised.   The flu vaccination is now available, and they are generally given by GPs. Community health clinics, pharmacies and hospitals. Sometimes it is also available through workplace or school programs. Receiving a vaccination from April provides optimal protection in the peak period of influenza circulation. You can also talk to your doctor about receiving a booster later if you require it. Under the National Immunisation Program, you may meet the eligible criteria for a free vaccination, check here to find out. ... View more

If the COVIDSafe app alerts you that you may be have exposed to COVID-19 you will be asked to click a box in the app to upload your information to the national COVIDSafe team who will contact you with further advice.   You should also contact your treating team to let them know. They will be able to advise you on the best steps to take for your circumstances.   It is important to remember that just because you may have been exposed to the virus does not mean you will definitely have contracted the virus, however it is important that you take all necessary precautions if you think you may have been exposed. ... View more

The COVIDSafe app has been designed by the Australian Government to help minimise and trace the spread of COVID-19. The app will enable rapid contact with people who have had at least 15 minutes contact with a person known to have contracted the virus to provide tailored contact tracing and tailored advice about self-isolation.   We know that people with cancer may need to take extra precautions to reduce their risk of contracting COVID-19. By downloading the APP friends and family members of people with cancer will know they have been in contact with the virus and stay away from the at-risk person with cancer.     If you are a person with cancer, the COVIDSafe app will help you to know if you may have come into contact with someone who has COVID-19 so that you will be able to take additional precautions and pursue any necessary follow up, as soon as possible. For more information and to download the app visit the COVIDSafe web page. ... View more

Where possible, cancer information and support services are being provided online, via email or over the phone. The decision to suspend some services was not a decision that we took lightly and we have made the decision to reduce the risk to both patients, staff and especially volunteers, many of whom are often of older age and also at risk from COVID-19.   We understand this may be distressing for you so please call 13 11 20 to speak to a qualified health professional to discuss your needs and they will help to identify any available services which you may benefit from.     At this time people around you such as friends, family, neighbours, friends of friends, and other community groups, may be extended networks for you to draw on for assistance. ... View more

Across Australia, our Cancer Council 13 11 20 information and support line remains operational.   Our 13 11 20 staff can not only link you to informational, practical, financial and emotional support services that are still operational within Cancer Council but also with services and support offered by a range of other cancer charities. If you are feeling anxious, have questions or need support, please remember that our specially trained team are there for you and can provide practical tips for minimising the risk of infection during this time.   Where possible, many of our services are being made available over the phone, via the internet or email, or Skype.   Cancer Council services, such as transport to treatment vary on a state and territory basis so we encourage you to check with your local state or territory Cancer Council by calling 13 11 20 to confirm which services are operational in your area.   And of course, the Cancer Council Online Community, is available for anyone affected by cancer to access 24x7, every day of the year. ... View more

The level of precautions you need to take as restrictions are eased will vary depending on your individual risk. Your treating team will be able to give you the best about whether it is safe for you to catch public transport.   If you do use public transport you should be vigilant about following advice for good hygiene and physical distancing. Avoiding crowded public transport will also be an important measure in reducing your risk of COVID-19 so you might like to talk to your treating team about some of the steps you can take if you live in a city or an area where public transport is often crowded.   Our article ‘Are there any additional precautions I should take if I have or have had cancer?’ has advice on managing your risk and maintaining good physical distancing and hygiene procedures that might be helpful for you.   Downloading the COVIDSafe app is also an important step in helping to keep you safe. You can read our article ‘Should I download the COVIDSafe app?’ for more information about how it could help you and those around you.   Or you may like to discuss the COVIDSafe app, with others, in our Cancer and COVID-19 forum. ... View more