Cancer is a growing health problem worldwide. Common treatments include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Systemic anti-cancer medications often result in an array of physical and psychological side effects. Supportive care assists patients with cancer in managing multidimensional symptoms that result from treatment or the illness itself. This review discusses supportive care and examines patient counselling and mind-diversion activities, which are safe and cost-effective strategies. Improving cancer patients' health and wellbeing should be encouraged in oncology nursing practice and by teaching students the knowledge and skills needed to provide supportive care.