Canteen Australia | Cancer Support For Young People

Canteen support changes lives

Canteen provides life-changing support that gets young people through a world turned upside down by cancer.

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Canteen young person, Jacob, sits and looks at the camera wearing a bandanna on his arm

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Support young people like Jacob with a tax-deductible donation before 30 June.

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Connect with others 24/7

Chat with other young people who get it from the comfort of your couch.

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Grief and Mother's Day

Get some tips on coping with Mother's Day when you are grieving.

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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

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More from Canteen Australia

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Canteen's Spectacular Christmas with Delta 2023

Canteen teamed up with Delta Goodrem to deliver a special segment during Nine’s ‘Christmas with Delta’ that aired on 17, 24 & 25 December.

What is cancer? Is cancer curable?

Cancer is a disease of the cells. Our bodies are made up of billions of cells – they are basically like building blocks. Normally, cells grow and divide to make more cells only when the body needs them.

three young people laughing and having a conversation

Annual Report 2023: A Year of Milestones and Impact

As we wrap up for the year, we're excited to share the remarkable achievements outlined in our Annual Report 2023.

A group of friends supporting a friend with cancer

How to manage both cancer and friendships

Friends can be amazing and supportive, but cancer can shake even the strongest friendship. You may lose some friends and gain new ones.

a group of hands joining together as a team

Can I work while having chemotherapy or other treatments?

Work is an important part of life – and not only for the money. Returning to work can help you to regain your confidence and independence and bring back a “normal” routine that gives you something to focus on other than cancer.

Beyond cancer - Survivorship and redefining your life plans

During cancer treatment, you might not have had the time or energy to think about much more than surviving. But when your treatment finally ends, what do you do now?

Three people sitting in the park talking

Embodying our values through action - Canteen's Diversity & Inclusion Framework

At Canteen, we have recently launched our inaugural Diversity and Inclusion Framework including our action plan for 2023-2026.

Researching the benefits of youth leadership at Canteen

Youth Leadership is a big part of what we do at Canteen, and can have a long-lasting impact on people.

NAIDOC Week – for me, it’s personal

Each year when NAIDOC Week rolls around (4-11 July this year) I start to feel more and more a shift in the way we mark and celebrate this week. This year it’s special to me as we move a bit further along in our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan at Canteen.

What is treatment like as a cancer patient in hospital?

Depending on what type of treatment you need to have, how much and how often, you may have to spend a lot of time at a hospital.

Communication with parents during cancer and maintaining independence

If you’ve moved into adulthood, you’ve probably already taken on more responsibility and control of your life through significant changes such as moving out of the family home and starting study or work. This growing independence may have shifted your relationship with your parents or carers.

Growing around your grief

COVID-19 has seen many of us miss out on spending time with our loved ones. Maybe the pandemic has meant not seeing our parents for three months, three years or – in the worst situations – ever again. And as a result, a lot of us are experiencing grief.

A different tomorrow – life after cancer

When we think about youth cancer, the focus is often on the number of young people diagnosed (around 1,000 a year) and their medical treatment. It is incredibly important that young cancer patients get specialist, age-appropriate care.

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.

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.

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