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How we help

Cancer affects everyone differently. That’s why we provide a wide range of support services

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Link to Canteen Connect - Helping young people with cancer- app and online cancer support community

You're not alone

Cancer changes everything. Connect with others who get you 24/7 on Canteen Connect.

Visit Canteen Connect

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Cancer Hub

Helping families impacted by cancer (with children aged 0-25) more easily access the support they need.

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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

More from Canteen Australia

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.

LOVE canteen bandanna designed by pillow talk

Pillow Talk announced as Principal Partner - Bandanna Day 2023

Canteen is thrilled to appoint Pillow Talk as their 2023 Principal Bandanna Day Partner to help provide comfort to young people impacted by cancer and their families.

a young person trying to support their friend when someone in their family has died

Supporting your friend when someone in their family has died

It's not always easy to be the friend of someone who is grieving - you might feel confused and helpless. This book is here to help you understand that a friend who is grieving is still your friend – and that they will find it helpful to have you there through the ups and downs.

How to find the right cancer information

Having accurate information to assist you deal with your cancer while providing you with a sense of control when everything else appears chaotic.

Community Education and Beyond

Canteen offers support and education so that ultimately no one has to go through a cancer experience alone.

Telling people you have cancer

It’s up to you to decide who you do or don’t tell that you’ve got cancer, and how much you tell them about what’s going on.

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.

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...

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.

Leading and collaborating for change

Canteen has grown its scope of work over the past 36 years and we can be proud of so much, not least the way we have been able to successfully advocate and lobby for better outcomes for young people impacted by cancer.

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.

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.

How do I make a decision about cancer treatments?

Feel like you have suddenly lost all control over your life? Let Canteen help - you can have control over when or where you to get cancer treatment.

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.

Cancer’s lost generation

A lot of the work our research and evaluation team do is based on better understanding what it’s like to be a young person with cancer, including the sometimes elusive idea of friendship and connection. How do we measure that?

Dealing with the emotional effects of cancer on the family

Find support and resources for dealing with the emotional effects of cancer on the family. Discover a safe space to navigate this emotional journey together.

a young person who is supporting their friend who's family member has cancer

Supporting a friend who’s family member has cancer

This guide is here to help you understand and support your friend when their family member has cancer.

Bandanna Day

When you leave the house wearing a Canteen bandanna, you are making more than just a fashion statement – it shows you are supporting young people impacted by cancer and you care.

Exclusive Movie Night in Adelaide to raise funds for Canteen

Canteen, in collaboration with Dancing Road Productions, Kojo Entertainment and The South Australian Film Corporation, recently hosted a double film night at Adelaide Studios.

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 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.

CTA

Sell Bandannas

Find services, support & information

Cancer changes everything. We get it.

$99+

Million in Social Value

24/7

Online Support

More from Canteen Australia

About Canteen

Acknowledgement of Country

Diversity and Inclusion