20 Things to Start the Year: A Guide for Cancer Patients & Carers
06 January 2026
No matter where you are on your cancer journey - diagnosis, treatment, survivorship or caregiving - the beginning of the year is a chance to set intentions that support your health and relationships. You don’t have to do everything at once. Start with one or two actions that bring clarity, connection or comfort.
And remember: you don’t walk this path alone. There are people and services ready to help - from clinical navigators to wellbeing programs and peer support groups - all with one mission: to support you and the people who care for you.
1. Get Connected to Health Hub
Sign up for Health Hub, Peter Mac’s secure patient portal. It lets you view appointments, test results and health information in one place — giving you more control and clarity about your care.
2. Visit the Patient & Carer Support Service (PACS)
Drop in or contact the PACS team for help navigating Peter Mac’s services, finding information or identifying supports that match your needs. They are open 10am to 3pm, Monday to Friday in Level 2 (2D) at the Peter Mac Melbourne Campus. You can also phone (03) 8559 8871 or email
3. Get help from your Patient Navigator
Every patient has a dedicated Patient Navigator who can help with appointments and getting in touch with clinics or allied health teams. Find out your Patient Navigator contact details.
4. Explore Wellbeing Programs
Check out Wellbeing Centre offerings like oncology massage, art therapy, book clubs, cooking for wellbeing classes and exercise-related education — all designed to support you holistically.
5. Join Peer Support Groups
Connect with others in similar situations through groups such as the Lung Cancer Support Group, Aboriginal Yarning Circle or other peer support meetups. These can help reduce isolation and build community. See the groups available.
6. Attend Cancer School and Surgery School
Cancer School online modules help you understand your diagnosis and treatment in easy-to-follow modules. It’s especially helpful if you’re newly diagnosed. Surgery School modules help patients prepare for upcoming surgery.
7. Access free legal services
Peter Mac collaborates with Inner Melbourne Community Legal (IMCL) to deliver a Health Justice Partnership. IMCL provides a free legal service to Peter Mac patients on a range of matters including family law, work and employment, housing problems and criminal law. Download the information sheet.
8. Prioritise Mental Health
The beginning of the year is a good time to assess your mental health and to get some strategies in place to set you up for the year ahead. You can try Peter Mac’s online modules for mental health called Cancer Mind Care; carers can access carer psychology services via Carer Support Services and patients can be referred to Clinical Psychology.
9. Access Carer Support Services
The Carer’s Circle group offers a chance for carers to share experiences, build resilience and connect with others who understand. Carers can also access a range of services under the Carer Support Program like speaking with a Carer Support Officer.
10. Create and Advance Care Plan
Advance care planning (ACP) means to think, plan, and write down your wishes for your future health care. It can be hard to know what might happen in the future, so planning ahead can greatly help your family and doctors to understand your values and preferences. Access the Thinking Ahead guide.
11. Access the A-Z of everyday cancer words and terms
We have put together an A-Z of everyday cancer words and terms which may be able to assist you during your cancer diagnosis and treatment. But remember, you can ask any member of your treating team at Peter Mac to clarify any terms you don't understand.
12. Connect With a Spiritual Care Provider
Spiritual carers offer a safe space to talk through big feelings — whether sadness, fear, or uncertainty about the future. You may have specific religious or spiritual needs, or you may just wish to explore your emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Find out more about Spiritual Care.
13. Explore the Peter Mac Art Collection
Exploring the Peter Mac Art Collection offers patients, carers and visitors a chance to pause, reflect and connect with creativity during their time at the hospital. Featuring works by some of Australia’s best-known artists, the collection brings colour, texture and storytelling into clinical spaces, helping to create a more welcoming and calming environment. From bold contemporary pieces to more reflective works, the art throughout Peter Mac is thoughtfully curated to inspire, comfort and remind people that creativity and humanity sit at the heart of cancer care.
14. Access Volunteer Services
You might benefit from support provided by our volunteers — they offer many services including Pet Therapy, wigs and headwear, or practical help around the centre. Find out more about the services on offer.
15. Find Support After Treatment
The Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre has developed information and resources and events to help people from initial treatment to post treatment and beyond, including those receiving maintenance treatments.
16. Put Important Contacts in Your Phone
Make a list of key phone numbers — clinical nurse coordinators, the telehealth team, Patient Navigator and relevant clinics — so help is always just a call away.
17. Join a Newsletter or Mailing List
Sign up for updates from Peter Mac’s Wellbeing Centre or support services to stay informed about new events, groups and programs.
18. Build a Support Network at Home
Reach out to friends and family; coordinate a care schedule, ask for practical help with errands, meals or transport - even small tasks make a big difference. It can be helpful for people in your life to know how to best support you, and to make it clear where and when you need help.
19. Look for Additional Support
In addition to hospital supports, organisations such as Cancer Council Victoria, Carer Gateway and others offer counselling, financial information and programs you can use alongside hospital care.
20. Take Time for You
Finally, carve out moments for self‑care — whether it’s journaling, a walk in nature, a favourite hobby or simply resting. Caring for your emotional and physical wellbeing matters just as much as clinical care.