Treatment & Support

Support group can increase your feeling of control and make you feel less alone. Many women find meeting with other women in a similar situation helps them realise their responses are ‘normal’ and that other women are going through similar experiences.

Attending support groups can also be a good opportunity to learn more about your own situation and strategies for dealing with the challenging times, but to also socially share the support of other women.  We are always extending the invitation for newly diagnosed women to join us, however the group is open to women at any stage of their cancer journey. 

We look forward to meeting you!

Click on the links below for details of all support groups in your state or territory.

NSW | QLD | SA | TAS | VIC | WA | ACT| NT

Many people are surprised by how much strength they gain from being part of a support group. Evidence shows that people who join a group suffer less anxiety, feel less isolated and are better able to cope with cancer and its side effects.

Support groups come in different forms: in-person meetings, phone meetings and internet forums (chat rooms).

Some support groups are designed to cater for people with any type of cancer, but there are also specific ovarian cancer, gynaecological cancer and women’s cancer support groups. Groups may be run by a health professional or by someone who has lived with cancer.

Many groups are also open to the woman’s family and friends. You can contact the support group facilitator before attending a group if you are not sure.

Online and tele-support can be especially helpful if you live in a rural or remote area, or if you find it difficult to travel to a group.

It is important that you join a support group that you feel comfortable attending and that is most appropriate to your needs.

Ovarian Cancer Australia runs several different types of support group services:

Support groups for women with ovarian cancer — monthly groups that meet in Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne and Perth.

Rural and Regional Tele-Support Service — monthly phone support for women anywhere in Australia.

Carers, Family and Friends Support Service — monthly phone support accessible from anywhere in Australia.

An online forum open to women with ovarian cancer and to carers, family and friends.

There are also support groups run by other organisations. You will find these listed under Find a support group.

If you have been affected by ovarian cancer and would like to be involved in setting up a support group in your local area, please contact us.

Ovarian Cancer Australia will assist you by:

• Providing advice and resources to start a support group.
• Promoting your support group on the Ovarian Cancer Australia web site.
• Providing you with ongoing support for your group.