Cancer Council knows it's important for Australians to have access to up-to-date information regarding COVID-19 and what it means for people affected by cancer.   Please find below, translations of our Cancer and COVID-19 resources into the following languages: 'Cancer and COVID-19' English factsheet - Information and support regarding cancer and COVID-19 'Cancer and Coronavirus' Arabic factsheet - مرض السرطان وفيروس كورونا‘ صحيفة حقائق' 'Cancer and Coronavirus' Chinese Simplified combined factsheet - ‘癌症与冠状病毒’ 情况说明书 'Cancer and Coronavirus' Chinese Traditional combined factsheet - ‘癌症與冠狀病毒’ 情況說明書 'Cancer and Coronavirus' Farsi combined factsheet - ’سرطان و ويروس کرونا‘ برگۀ اطلاع رسانی 'Cancer and Coronavirus' Greek combined factsheet - ‘Καρκίνος και Κορωνοϊός’ φύλλο πληροφοριών 'Cancer and Coronavirus' Hindi combined factsheet - ‘कैंसर और कोरोनावायरस’ तथ्य पत्र 'Cancer and Coronavirus' Italian combined factsheet - ‘Cancro e Coronavirus’ Foglio informativo 'Cancer and Coronavirus' Korean combined factsheet - ‘암과 코로나바이러스’ 팩트 시트 'Cancer and Coronavirus' Punjabi combined factsheet - ਕੈਂਸਰ ਅਤੇ ਕਰੋਨਾਵਾਇਰਸ’ ਤੱਥਸ਼ੀਟ 'Cancer and Coronavirus' Spanish combined factsheet - ‘Cáncer y coronavirus’ Hoja informativa 'Cancer and Coronavirus' Tagalog combined factsheet - ‘Kanser at Coronavirus’ Papel-kaalaman 'Cancer and Coronavirus' Vietnamese combined factsheet - ‘Ung thư và Vi-rút corona’ Tờ thông tin If you would like to speak with someone in your own language about cancer and COVID-19, please call 13 14 50 and ask for Cancer Council or the Coronavirus Health Information Line. ... View more

The podcast series, Cancer and COVID-19 has been produced by Cancer Council to explore what COVID-19 means for people affected by cancer.   Who is this series for? This series is for anyone that has been affected by cancer and may have questions about what the COVID-19 pandemic means for them. The episodes answer some of the questions people may be asking, as well as where you can seek further information and support.   Episode 1: Coping with Isolation and Cancer during COVID-19 In this episode, Yvonne King from Cancer Council's 13 11 20 Information and Support team, discusses isolation for people affected by cancer in the middle of a pandemic.     Episode 2: Telehealth for Cancer In this episode, Karen Robinson  from Cancer Council's 13 11 20 Information and Support team, discusses what telehealth is and how it relates to cancer care, as well as how appointments for telehealth can work for you.     Episode 3: Cancer Treatment during COVID-19 In this episode, Brenda Clasquin from Cancer Council's 13 11 20 Information and Support team, discusses changes to cancer treatment with the COVID-19 pandemic and how you can stay safe.     Resources This series is from the same team that have produced our other podcast series. You may like to listen to The Thing About Cancer and The Thing About Advanced Cancer.   Other resources: Cancer and COVID-19 information Telehealth and COVID-19 13 11 20 - Information and Support ... View more

  Cancer Council WA are now taking registrations for Life Now for Term 1, 2021.   The Life Now program offers introductory Exercise, Meditation, Mindfulness, Tai Chi and Yoga courses at locations across Western Australia. These are free of charge for people affected by cancer, as well as carers. The courses are being delivered by experienced facilitators, in an environment that is safe and supportive.   Activities such as Yoga, Meditation and Exercise are an important part of supportive cancer care. These activities provide a range of mental and physical health benefits; and research shows these activities can help reduce stress and anxiety and improve quality of life for people affected by cancer.   Please see the current calendar for Term 1 in the attached PDF file. You can also check the online calendar for available spots.   You can apply online for any of the courses you may be interested in. Note: you must be a resident of WA. ... View more

Are you handy with a sewing machine? Have you been using a cloth face mask at some point over the past year? Well-made cloth face masks can be a good alternative to surgical face masks, they are often more cost effective and even better, they are re-useable.     Where do I start? Start by looking around at what's available. You may have a friend or family member who could sew you one, or someone in your local area may be making them to sell, usually at around $10-15 each.   If you have a sewing machine and/or overlocker, you can definitely make your own. Spotlight have some fantastic video tutorials on making all kinds of masks, and they are an easy place to get your mask-making supplies from right across Australia.   The Victorian government released a pattern here  and the NSW government, released their guide to making one here.   What next? Choose your materials. Current recommendations are to use quilting cotton for 2 layers (outer/inner) with a water resistant filter in the middle. Whether you use a pattern with a pocket for a filter, or sew-in a filter, that's up to you. You also need to decide about elastic or binding to secure your mask when wearing, and if you want to use a nose wire or not.   Then get sewing!   Have you got any tips? Do you have a good pattern to share?   If you've made or have been wearing a cloth mask, why not share a photo of yourself in one? 💕 ... View more

Right around the world, there are laws and recommendations surrounding the use of face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. And currently in Australia, there are mandatory mask wearing in certain circumstances in New South Wales, Victoria and now Queensland.   Wearing face masks may protect you from droplets that can occur when a person with COVID-19 speaks, coughs, or sneezes and may land on you if you are not social distancing. Wearing a mask can also help protect others around you if you are unwell.   You may like to read our FAQ on the wearing of masks for further information:Should I wear a mask?    Under the public health orders, a “fitted face covering” means a mask or other covering that: fits securely around the face, and is designed or made to be worn over the nose and mouth to provide the wearer with protection against infection. Single-use and reusable cloth masks both help to prevent the spread of COVID-19, if used correctly. NSW Health recommends cloth face masks are 3-layer, inclusive of a filter.   Tips on face mask use: Wash or sanitise your hands before putting on or taking off your mask. Ensure the mask covers your nose and mouth and fits snugly under your chin, over the bridge of your nose and against the sides of your face. Refrain from touching the front of your mask while wearing or removing it. Do not allow the mask to hang around your neck or under your nose. Do not reuse single-use masks. Wash and dry reusable masks after use and store in a clean, dry place.   If you're handy with a sewing machine, you may like to make your own masks but please ensure these have 3 layers for the best protection. These are quite cost effective, and you can wash them and re-use them. Or you may be able to find a friend, family member or someone in your local community who are making them.   Here are some additional guidelines about the wearing of cloth face masks: Victorian guide to making cloth face masks NSW government guide to wearing cloth face masks   Wearing a mask correctly   ... View more