Finding the words: starting a conversation when your cancer has progressed
Cancer Australia (AUS, 2016)
Booklet dispelling myths about palliative care, and explaining that it aims to help people live as well as possible once their cancer has spread. Provides tips on talking to others about palliative care.
(booklet – PDF, DOCX or hard copy)
Cancer and your emotions
Macmillan Cancer Support (UK, 2023)
Explains the emotional impact of advanced cancer on you and the people close to you. Remember that as this is a UK-based website treatments and support services are not available to Australians.
(web)
Talking to kids about advanced cancer
Cancer Council Victoria (AUS, 2023)
Advice on deciding what to tell children, language to use, and questions they might ask.
(web)
Talking to kids about cancer: A guide for people with cancer, their families and friends
Cancer Council Australia (AUS, 2023)
This excellent resource is a great place to start, when you’re considering the best way to talk to your children about your cancer diagnosis. This easy-to-read book provides an insight into effects on children from 0 to 18 when someone they know is diagnosed with cancer. Covers all stages of the cancer experience, and includes links to where to go for more information.
(book, 68 pages. View online as a PDF, and hard copy)
Dealing with your parent’s cancer
CanTeen (AUS, 2010)
This book, available online or in hard copy, provides practical tips and reassurance for 12 to 25 year olds who have had a parent diagnosed with cancer. It provides help with understanding what is going on with their parents, as well as how they can cope with everyday life during this difficult time. Includes information on where to go for more help or information.
(book, 81 pages. PDF, ebook to view online, and hard copy)
Talking to children and teenagers
Macmillan Cancer Support (UK, 2019)
This page provides practical advice on how, when and where you might tell your child or teenager about your cancer diagnosis. Links to further information.
(web)
Riprap
University of Sheffield (UK)
This British website provides support and information to teenagers who have a parent with cancer. Includes a useful stories section where teenagers can select a story of a person who has been experiencing similar emotions to them.
(web)
Communication and cancer: Talking to your treatment team and loved ones
Ovarian Cancer Australia (AUS, 2017)
Scroll down to Past Webinars. Clinical Psychologist Dr Katharine Hodgkinson shares techniques for open communication and discusses how best to communicate with your treating team. Includes strategies for recording treatments and appointments, and talking with your family members about cancer. Denise Firth shares her personal experiences of communicating with her team, and her family and friends.
(webinar)
Relationships: challenges for partners
Chris O’Brien Lifehouse (AUS, 2013)
Partners of women with gynaecological cancer explain how they have managed changes to their relationship since the cancer diagnosis and treatment. Also includes comments from gynaecological cancer nurse and social worker. YouTube sometimes suggests other videos on similar topics. Please be aware that those other videos have not been reviewed for the Navigator and may not be reputable.
(YouTube video)
Carers Victoria
Carers Victoria provide care and support to family members and friends of Victorians who require care due to illness, disability or age. Find information and details about their services on their website.
(organisation)
Counterpart Resource Centre: children's books
Counterpart (VIC)
Counterpart has a collection of picture books for children, to help parents explain cancer and cancer treatment. Please contact the Resource Centre for help finding resources for your child.
(information resources)