The Cancer Council NT has offices in both Darwin and Alice Springs and can provide a range of support services and experience.
The NT Directory of Services (Adobe PDF document - 984KB) will give you a good overview of the services available locally to assist you and your family. The Related Links page also provides a summary of organisations and websites to source specific information.
Below you will find details on some of the challenges that are faced by people with cancer:
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On your cancer journey you may get support from family and friends. There are also many organisations that can provide support, assistance and resources. From time to time there are pilot programs or initiatives which are aimed to support people living with cancer. To find out if there is anything suitable to your circumstances, contact your social worker or the Cancer Council NT.
Support groups that include other people living with cancer are also available. Young people may have particular support needs if they, or a parent or sibling has been diagnosed with cancer. Support and guidance for young people that are affected by either their own or other's cancer can be found on the website Now What? and CanTeen.
Emotional Challenges
You may experience many emotions when you are diagnosed with cancer. Feelings of grief, anger, hopelessness and despair are often experienced. You may also experience different emotions at different parts of the cancer journey, and not everyone will feel the same. However, feelings of depression or high levels of anxiety are common in people with cancer. It is normal to feel isolated and become withdrawn, as many people may find it difficult to talk about their feelings. Emotional challenges may arise anywhere in the cancer journey or even afterwards. This may be due to the fact that some people haven't really had the chance to reflect on what has happened. Some people accept the fact that they have cancer immediately after diagnosis while for others it may take a bit longer. It is important to remember that there are no right or wrong emotions or ways to deal with your feelings.
Talking to someone who understands the emotional challenges that you are facing is often helpful. You can talk to a social worker at your local hospital, or contact the Cancer Council NT Helpline on 13 11 20 for free counselling or ask your doctor to put you in touch with a practitioner in the private sector.
Psychological Challenges
Dealing with cancer is overwhelming and can be a distressing period for you, your partner and other family members. The thought of living with cancer will often change the way people feel about themselves and see their place in the world. Adjustment to a diagnosis of cancer may also affect the way you relate to other people in your life.
Examples of psychological challenges inlcude:
- Difficulties telling family, friends and work collegues that you have cancer. People react differently, with some not knowing how to react or cope and distancing themselves from you, and others offering comfort and support.
- Difficulties in establishing a new relationship and knowing when to tell a prospective partner that you have cancer.
- Strain on relationships with those close to you, especially your partner.
- Changes in your body image and the way you feel about your appearance after cancer surgery and/or treatment, for example weight loss, hair loss or body scarring. This may influence the way you feel about your sexuality and intimacy depending on your self-esteem, mood and how well you are feeling. It may also influence the manner in which you interact with people in a social environment.
| It is important to remember that you do not have to go through this alone and that talking to family and friends or even outside support will make facing cancer easier. There are many cancer support programs and services available that provide counselling and offer other services, these can be foundon our Related Links page. |
Practical Challenges
With a diagnosis of cancer there are practical issues that need to be considered, for example, the cost of treatment and medication, the need to travel to access services and the use of support services, wigs or other aids to daily living. Many people find themselves unable to work for a period of time during and after treatment but the bills and payments that need to be made remain the same.
If you are employed, your Human Resources team or advisor will provide information on your sick leave and entitlements. Centalink can also inform you if you are eligible for financial support programs, assistance with Superannuantion access or applying for a Disability Pension.
The Patient Assisted Travel Scheme can provide financial contributions for eligible patients and Medicare Australia can advise on rebates for treatments and medication.
These challenges may impact on your family life and certain changes need to be made which will affect family members. It may mean that you may have to re-budget and that family members might have to take on some extra responsibilities.
If you need assistance with any of these practical challenges, talk to a social worker at your local hospital or contact the Cancer Council NT, who will be able to refer you to the relevant support service.
Physical Challenges
There may be side effects that result from cancer treatment such as vomiting, nausea, fatigue, difficulty in swallowing, or pain and swelling (lymphoedema) in various parts of the body. You may have one or a few of these, but symptoms usually cease once treatment has been completed. If these symptoms persist consult with your doctor.
Long-term effects resulting from surgery may also affect the quality of life for some people. For example the removal of a breast or part of the neck or tongue may have a major impact on social activities and family life. Many of these physical challenges can be overcome with the help of certain aides or therapies depending on your situation.
If you need assistance with any of these physical challenges, talk to an occupational or physiotherapist in your local hospital.
