Our Advocacy
Advocacy
CanTeen is the only national Australian organisation specifically for adolescents and young adults (AYA) living with cancer. Through our advocacy program we encourage our Members to voice issues that are important to them and we speak nationally on behalf of young people living with cancer.
Why advocate?
We recognise that having cancer come into your life as a young person is really difficult. We want to equip our young people to deal with this experience in the best way that they can. We do this by supporting young people through our programs, by researching their needs and by speaking up on their behalf. As an organisation, we advocate, or “communicate for change”, to influence government and the health system to better understand and meet the needs of young people living with cancer.
How do I get involved?
Become an advocate! We want to develop and support our members to speak out on behalf of young people living with cancer. If you are interested in becoming a CanTeen advocate, please contact us here for more info.
Join the AYACG! The AYACG is an informal interest group for people interested in receiving information and news relating to improving care for adolescents and young adults with cancer.
Get some training! In partnership with the NSW Cancer Council we will be offering advocacy training through a workshop program starting in 2009. Further information to follow.
Hot topics
AYA Cancer Services
We are advocating for a new model of care for adolescents and young adults with cancer, including the establishment of dedicated treatment facilities for 15-25 year olds. In May 2008 the Federal Government confirmed its $15m commitment towards a $30m fund to establish dedicated cancer facilities for adolescents and young adults. We are working to see these centres built and services implemented. For more info, including the recently released draft National Service Delivery Framework, click here.