The Financial Planning Association (FPA) will run a pilot pro-bono referral service with the Cancer Council.

The nationally structured program will help families affected by cancer that cannot afford financial advice.

The FPA will connect them with advisers who can provide services pro bono.

“In a report prepared for Cancer Council, Access Economics estimated the average cost of a cancer diagnosis to be almost $50,000,” FPA CEO Dante De Gori said.

“Many people simply cannot afford to resolve the financial issues that need to be addressed during this stressful time.

“Advisers can make a huge difference to families in need of assistance.”

Mr De Gori wants FPA members “to come forward and generously donate their time to assist cancer patients and their families with a wide range of financial issues on a pro bono basis”.

Members can volunteer here.