Cancer Connect

Linking people through experience

Cancer Connect is a peer support program that connects people in need of support with a trained support volunteer who has been through a similar experience.

The connection lets newly diagnosed individuals talk to someone who understands what it’s like to be diagnosed with cancer; someone who can provide encouragement and hope. Support is provided either over the phone or face-to-face.

Cancer Connect includes the Breast Cancer Support Service (BCSS) that has operated in Tasmania for 27 years.

Volunteers offer peer support.
“It was great having someone who had been where I was at and who knew what I was going through. I could be completely honest with my feelings and fears.”
Survivors of breast cancer are available to visit newly diagnosed women to offer hope, encouragement and provide practical support.

Cancer Connect and BCSS are free and confidential services available to all Tasmanians, including family carers of those diagnosed with cancer.

The Cancer Connect program has 65 trained volunteers around the state and every effort is made to match you with a volunteer who has been through a similar experience. If this is not possible a close match is made.

Cancer Connect volunteers are:
Sunsmart reading for today well adjusted to their personal experience of cancer (with at least two years since treatment)
Sunsmart reading for today can communicate effectively
Sunsmart reading for today warm and sensitive
Sunsmart reading for today realistic about their limitations
Sunsmart reading for today committed to personal growth and development

All Cancer Connect volunteers undergo intensive training but cannot give medical advice or recommend treatment options.

For Cancer Connect support call The Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20

Becoming a Cancer Connect volunteer
To become a Cancer Connect volunteer you must have completed treatment at least two years ago and you must be well. All volunteers undertake a five-day training program (or delivered flexibly over 25 hours). Support and supervision is available at all times.

For more information on becoming a Cancer Connect volunteer call 1300 65 65 85
Disclaimer
www.cancertas.org.au last updated 10 October 2008