Living with Advanced Cancer

This booklet is for people who have advanced cancer. This means the cancer has spread from the original (primary) site or has come back (recurred).

Health professionals use several different terms to describe cancer that has moved beyond early stages, including secondary, metastatic, stage 4 and advanced. Sometimes health professionals don't use a particular name. In this booklet, we use the term "advanced cancer". Regardless of the words used, it's frightening to hear that the cancer has spread or come back.

This booklet offers general information about advanced cancer: what it is, how it is treated, what might happen and what support is available. There is also information for the family and friends of people who have advanced cancer. You may find reading about advanced cancer distressing - read what seems useful now and leave the rest until you're ready.