Canteen Australia | Cancer Support For Young People

Person sitting with a small dog wearing a bandanna

Dog Walking Challenge

CTA

Find services, support & information

Cancer changes everything. We get it

For every $1 invested in Canteen programs, a social value of between $4.40 and $7.65 is estimated for the outcome delivered.

$99+

Million in Social Value

Over a 5-year period

24/7

Online Support

In our communities for young people and parents

family of four standing by the ocean watching the sunset

More from Canteen Australia

A group of Canteen youth ambassadors at Life Cycle in WA

Life Cycle 25 Year Anniversary

Relive the key moments from Life Cycle's 25 anniversary weekend in Western Australia. 3 days and 150 riders, all to support young people impacted by cancer.

Screenshots from Canteen's TikTok videos

Canteen Australia now on TikTok!

We're thrilled to announce that Canteen Australia is now on TikTok! This marks a significant milestone for us as we continue our mission to support young people when cancer turns their world upside down.

young person using their phone to access canteen connect

Evaluating Canteen Connect

We surveyed young people who use Canteen Connect to understand what was working well and what we could improve.

From left to right: Camp Quality CEO Deb Thomas, Mark Butler MP, Cancer Australia CEO Dorothy Keefe, Canteen Australia CEO Peter Orchard, Redkite CEO Monique Keighery

Cancer Hub funding extended

We’re delighted that the Australian Government has today announced $9.4m in funding to enable us to continue delivering this vital service until 2027.

Culturally Responsive Framework launch

Canteen has proudly launched its Culturally Responsive Framework. This framework is for all Canteen team members and outlines how Canteen will work with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander young people and their families impacted by cancer.

Breaking Ground in AYA Cancer Care: 6th Global Congress Announced!

Canteen Australia is pleased to announce the upcoming 6th Global Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Congress, taking place on 3-6 December 2024 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Your rights at the doctor when you're LGBTQI+

Everyone has certain rights when receiving health care in Australia. These rights are set out in the Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights. They apply to the care you receive in public and private hospitals and by your GP.

group of young people, staff and volunteers at the Canteen Australia Winter Retreat in Thredbo

Winter Retreat 2023: A journey of firsts and unforgettable moments

Our Winter Retreat was filled with exciting activities, including ski and snowboard lessons, and the picturesque Thredbo ski resort provided the perfect backdrop for our adventure.

When your parent's cancer can't be cured

Hearing the news that your parent might have a limited time to live is going to be very hard for you. That's the understatement of the year.

Guiding the wheel: why I help communities understand cancer

I’ve been working hard for the past 18 months on an incredible project made possible by Metricon – who are empowering Canteen to reach out and improve the community’s understanding of how chronic illness can impact families.

What price is a life?

Our CEO Peter Orchard is joining Rare Cancers Australia to launch an update of the ‘Counting the cost’ report and discuss why and how social return on investment needs to be considered when we decide which cancer treatments and medicines to fund.

canteen young people and their families with the living end band

The Living End VIP Experience

On Friday 2 February, Canteen young people and their families impacted by cancer got up close and personal with iconic Australian band The Living End for an exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

What should I do if I'm diagnosed with cancer?

Have you recently heard the word "cancer" in a consultation? You might be thinking 'what should I do if I'm diagnosed with cancer?' We're here to help.

group of canteen staff, dogs and studio 10 at bandanna day

Bandanna Day 2023 wrapped

Canteen’s iconic National Bandanna Day has so far raised over $35 million to support young people impacted by cancer.

young person with cancer is looking to the side and smiling

The 5th Global Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Congress

There were many great presentations across the Congress. Here are a few take home messages which I found of interest...

What it means to be a young leader

I’ve been a Board Director at Canteen for six years. In that time I’ve provided oversight and governance for an organisation that has a rich tradition of listening to and empowering its young voices. I am honored to be one of them.

About Canteen

Canteen is an Australian not-for-profit that provides free and tailored support to young people aged 12-25 who are impacted by cancer.

Coping with cancer when you're trans and gender-diverse

There are a range of steps trans and gender diverse people may take to affirm their gender. There is no right or wrong way to affirm your gender.

Cancer Unscripted Podcast Series

A place where young people talk all things cancer. The good, the bad, the unknown. Nothing scripted. Just the young people and their own stories.

The hidden increase in youth cancer

Since the 1980s, the overall survival rate for 15-24 year-olds diagnosed with cancer has gradually increased from 79% to 90%.

ABOUT CANTEEN

Canteen supports 12-25 year-olds dealing with their own diagnosis, a close family member’s cancer or the death of a loved one. Our services also now extend to parents, because when they cope better with cancer and communicate openly, their children are likely to experience less distress and anxiety.

Canteen Australia Homepage