1. Further support
For more information about myelodysplastic syndrome, or to speak with an experienced health professional who can provide you with disease-specific information, answer questions, talk through concerns and connect you to blood cancer support groups call the Leukaemia Foundation on 1800 620 420 or visit www.leukaemia.org.au/MDS.
Also, specially trained staff at Cancer Council can answer your questions about the effects of cancer, explain what will happen during treatment and link you to support groups and other community resources. Call Cancer Council 13 11 20.
If you need an interpreter, call TIS (the Translating and Interpreting Service) on 13 14 50.
For support and advice for carers, call the Carers Advisory Service on 1800 242 636.
More support options
Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre
Has information resources and events to help people move from initial treatment to post treatment and beyond, including those receiving maintenance treatments
- Telephone: (03) 9656 5207
- Website: www.petermac.org/cancersurvivorship
Beyondblue
Information on depression, anxiety and related disorders, available treatment and support services
- Telephone: 1300 224 636
- Website: www.beyondblue.org.au
Cancer Australia
Information on cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment and supportive care for Australians affected by cancer, and their families and carers
- Telephone: 1800 624 973
- Website: www.canceraustralia.gov.au
Care Search: Palliative care knowledge network
Information for patients and carers on living with illness, practical advice on how to care, and finding services
- Telephone: (08) 7221 8233
- Website: www.caresearch.com.au
National Health Services Directory
A directory providing information on local hospital and community services
- Website: www.nhsd.com.au
NEMICS A common path: Cancer support and advice
Videos offering support and advice from people who have been through cancer
Optimal care pathways have been developed for health professionals and health services. However patients and carers may find useful information in this version to help understand the processes their treating health professionals are following. The optimal care pathways can also be accessed in an interactive web app on your mobile or your desktop.