After treatment for bowel cancer, most people find the way their bowel works changes. Some people will need to have a temporary or permanent stoma, which is a surgically created opening in the abdomen. Other people will need to change the foods they eat.   For information on managing the side effects of treatment for bowel cancer visit the following: • Having a stoma: describes what a stoma is and how it might affect your life • Food after treatment: has tips on managing dietary issues after treatment. ... View more

It can be hard balancing the demands of caring for a loved one with cancer with your own work commitments. Working carers can receive support in a range of ways, from organising short term respite care for your loved one to talking to your employer about flexible working arrangements. For more information, see:   Working while caring - on balancing your work and caring responsibilities Caring for yourself - covers ways to cope and stay healthy Cancer Affects the Carer Too - a podcast sharing the highs and lows of being a carer and how you can look after your own needs. ... View more

Cancer and its treatment may cause fertility problems, for both men and women. This will depend on the type of cancer and treatment you have. Infertility after treatment may be temporary, lasting months to years, or permanent.   If you want to become a parent, add to your family or even if you’ve not yet even thought about having children, Cancer Council has information that may assist you in making decisions before treatment.   Fertility and Cancer – provides an overview on the impacts of cancer treatment on male and female fertility; how you may be able to preserve your fertility before and during treatment; and answers to key questions. ... View more

Having a rare or less common cancer can present its own challenges. For one thing, it can often be difficult to find reliable information compared to more common cancers. Cancer Council has developed some new information resources to support people affected by these cancers. On the Rare and Less Common Cancers page you’ll find a link to the Understanding Rare and Less Common Cancers booklet, which provides an overview to help people understand more about these cancers and some of the challenges people might face after a diagnosis.   You’ll also find links to fact sheets on nine rare and less common cancers. These fact sheets include information about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and side effects, as well as suggestions for coping with all aspects of the cancer experience.   Understanding Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Understanding Appendix Cancer and Pseudomyxoma Peritonei Understanding Gall Bladder Cancer Understanding Neuroendocrine Tumours Understanding Ocular (Uveal) Melanoma Understanding Penile Cancer Understanding Small Bowel Cancer Understanding Soft Tissue Sarcoma ... View more

Having a cancer diagnosis and treatment can be a stressful time for you and those around you. Mindfulness meditation and relaxation techniques have been shown to improve people’s ability to cope with stress, pain, anxiety and depression. Cancer Council’s Finding Calm During Cancer  is a new relaxation and meditation podcast that can help you navigate your way to a sense of calm.    Narrated by Psychologist Dr Lisbeth Lane, the episodes feature meditation and relaxation exercises for people affected by cancer.   How to listen You can play the podcasts directly from our website, or through your favourite podcast app on a smartphone or tablet. For instructions on how to listen to podcasts, visit How to download and listen to a podcast. ... View more

If you are being treated for cancer or recovering after treatment, you may think it’s important to rest, but research shows that exercise can help you manage some of the common side effects of treatment, speed up your recovery and improve your quality of life. If you are thinking about starting an exercise program during cancer treatment, talk to your doctor about the type and amount of activity suitable for you. They can advise you about any types of exercise to avoid and any precautions you should take. Aim to be as physically active as your abilities allow and adapt your exercise program to suit the type and stage of cancer and any side effects. Some days may be harder than others, but even a few minutes of light exercise is better than no exercise at all. Check out Cancer Council’s information about exercising during cancer treatment for: tips on getting started questions to ask your doctor or exercise professional step-by-step instructions and short videos demonstrating some simple strength training exercises to develop your balance and core muscles, upper body and legs short videos taking you through some exercises to improve the flexibility of your joints and muscles. ... View more

COVID-19 has brought some extra challenges for people with cancer. Should I delay tests and treatment? How does telehealth work? How can I get support? To help address these and other common concerns, the Cancer Information Unit has teamed up with 13 11 20 to produce a new podcast series, Cancer and COVID-19 Three episodes are now available to listen to at any time: Coping with Isolation and Cancer during COVID-19 – discusses how people can feel less isolated and stay connected while social distancing. Telehealth for Cancer – explains what telehealth is, how it’s being used for cancer care, and how people can get the most benefit from their telehealth appointments. Cancer Treatment during COVID-19 – discusses why some cancer treatment has been delayed because of COVID-19 and the precautions that health professionals are taking to keep people safe. You can listen to these short podcasts now on our website. They are also available to stream or download onto your smartphone or tablet through your favourite podcasting app. ... View more

Some cancers and cancer treatments can damage the peripheral nerves, which are the nerves located away from the centre of the body, e.g. in the hands and feet. This is called peripheral neuropathy. Symptoms include tingling (“pins and needles”), numbness or pain, muscle weakness and balance problems, and can range from mild to severe.   For many people, peripheral neuropathy is a short-term issue but for others, it can last a long time or be permanent. Although the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy can be significant, there are usually ways to manage them.   If you or someone you know are affected by peripheral neuropathy, Cancer Council’s Peripheral Neuropathy provides information on: symptoms, causes, how it can affect you, how it is diagnosed and treated, managing symptoms, tips for looking after yourself, and questions for your doctor. ... View more

Living with cancer presents significant challenges – from dealing with symptoms and treatments to managing treatment side effects. Introducing some simple lifestyle changes like being physically active and eating a healthy diet can support your sense of health and wellbeing and improve your quality of life.      Cancer Council has a range of information and tips on healthy eating, exercise and relaxation and you can do them all at home: Learn about the mental and physical benefits of exercise during cancer treatment plus watch some videos of exercises you can do at home Find out about the importance of eating well after a cancer diagnosis plus recipe and snack ideas Listen to podcast episodes on Managing Cancer Fatigue and Sleep and Cancer Listen to free mindful meditation and relaxation recordings Find out more about the benefits of complementary therapies ... View more

Sexuality and intimacy are an important part of our wellbeing and the way in which we develop and maintain our intimate relationships. When you are first diagnosed with cancer, sex may be the furthest thing from your mind. Over time, you may have questions about the likely impacts of treatment on your sexuality.   Cancer Council has a range of information for both women and men on how cancer can affect your sexuality and intimate relations. Regardless of your sexual orientation or whether you are single or in a relationship you can find information on: how cancer affects sexuality, who to talk to about concerns, the sexual response, treatment side effects, overcoming specific challenges, resuming sexual activity and communicating with your partner.   Check out these Cancer Council resources: Sexuality, Intimacy and Cancer Sex and cancer (podcast episode) Emotions and Cancer Fertility and cancer   ... View more