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CanSupport​


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Formally established in 1981 CanSupport is a cancer information and support service for people with cancer, their families and carers in the Northern Sydney Local Health District. It was the first of its kind in Australia to use a peer support model in cancer care.
CanSupport provides a wide range of services to the community including cancer specific information, support groups, relaxation and meditation group, a wig library, education for both public and staff and has strong partnerships with other community providers.
Our trained volunteers provide peer support to patients and their families throughout the cancer centre and wards and assist with many facets of the day to day running of the unit.
Contact details: [email protected]​


Resource room


Provides a comprehensive selection of cancer brochures relating to all solid and blood cancers and treatment. General information on wellbeing, advice and support for carers and information regarding financial concerns. The centre is continually adding to our library of resources for our patients from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. ​

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Wig library


The CanSupport wig library has over 300 wigs available for loan. An appointment is required for a wig fitting and may be made by contacting the CanSupport manager on 02 9463 1188. Patients are provided with a care pack and instructions on maintaining the wig for the period that it is borrowed.

There is no charge for borrowing a wig. Patients who wish to, donate $50 to cover the cost of their wig maintenance kit and cleaning of the wig thus ensuring the continuity of the service whose only funding is via donations. 

The wig library also has a selection of turbans and beanies’ available free of charge to patients.​

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 Support groups

​Metastatic Breast Cancer – this is an open group for women dealing with breast cancer that won’t go away. Our group uses shared experience, education and peer support to help in adjusting to and coping with advanced breast cancer. Meet other women living with metastatic breast cancer over morning tea once a month. 

CanRevive – Living with Cancer series for the Chinese Community. Information sessions weekly in September provide discussion for the Chinese community around managing their cancer, understanding their treatment and living well after cancer. Interpreting service is provided.

Relaxation and Meditation Class – this program is held weekly on Fridays during school terms. It is suitable for people during cancer treatment and up to a year post treatment, as well as their carers. Click he​reExternal Link to dow​nload the brochure.

Contact CanSupport Manager to register on 9463 1188​

 Community partnerships
​CanSupport has strong relationships with:

Cancer Council NSW - including, an onsite Cancer Council Liaison Officer whose key purpose is to improve awareness of and access to cancer information and support services for people affected by cancer, ensuring patients and carers have access to relevant supportive care information and services in the right place at the right time.

For more information:

Canteen - a national organisation that has been supporting young people impacted by cancer for over thirty years. They work with 12-25 year olds who are dealing with a parent, brother or sister’s cancer or having cancer themselves. Canteen’s specially trained staff help young people develop the skills and resilience they need to cope with the impact cancer is having on their life. Through Canteen, young people affected by cancer can also connect with others their age who are in the same boat and have some much needed fun too.

For more information:

CanRevive - was established in Sydney by two cancer survivors and one carer to support Chinese speaking people through their cancer journey. Its aim is to help to minimize the impact of cancer on patients and their families by providing information and emotional support to cater for their cultural and linguistic needs.

For more information:

Look Good Feel Better - is a free national community service program run by the Cancer Patients Foundation. They are dedicated to teaching cancer patients how to manage the appearance-related side-effects caused by treatment for any type of cancer. This is a fun and much loved program for patients.

For more information:

Leukaemia Foundation - are a leading source of blood cancer information and education. They provide information and resources about blood cancer, treatments and on financial, practical and other government support available.

For more information:

Mummy’s Wish – provide support to mums of children under 13 whilst they are receiving treatment for cancer

For more information:

Cancer Institute - works across the health system to promote better cancer prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment and care. They manage a large library of information for patients and carers and are continually adding to their collection of multicultural and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander information.

For more information: