Cancer Council NSW advocates are calling on state election candidates to join the fight against cancer.

The Illawarra Cancer Action Network is holding a community forum at 5.30pm at Wollongong Golf Club on Wednesday, February 4.

Candidates from the Wollongong electorate will respond to the issues raised in the Cancer Council's Saving life: Vision for Change booklet, which outlines important opportunities to help beat cancer.

The Saving Life 2015 forum is about reducing the number of people who hear the words "you've got cancer" and ensuring that those who have cancer get the care they need. Local advocates and residents are encouraged to attend.

The five issues addressed in Vision for Change are the selling of tobacco, improving cancer services for Aboriginal people, chemotherapy co-payments, access to care co-ordination, and increasing palliative care services.

Wollongong MP Noreen Hay (ALP) and Greens candidate Mitchell Bresser will be taking part in the forum.

Cancer Council NSW southern region community engagement manager Tina Hunt said the forum would address issues that cancer patients and their families face.

"An ageing population means we face a future where more people will be diagnosed with cancer, and it is up to our next government to make decisions now to ensure cancer patients and their families will get the help they need."

Information: 9334 1749 or emmaw@nswcc.org.au