Canteen Australia | Cancer Support For Young People

Person sitting with a small dog wearing a bandanna

Dog Walking Challenge

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Screenshot of some of the videos on Canteen TikTok account featuring some of the young people impacted by cancer who hav benefited from Canteen's free cancer support

Launching on TikTok is about so much more than just being on another social platform.

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illustration of two young people sitting on a couch

Supporting friends

Watch our video series for advice on supporting friends or loved ones through cancer.

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Canteen young person and their mum hugging and smiling at each other

Cancer Hub

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

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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

family of four standing by the ocean watching the sunset

More from Canteen Australia

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

It takes a village: Canteen in the community

In the eight and a half years I’ve worked at Canteen, I’ve been continuously amazed at the incredible generosity our community shows us each and every day.

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 slice of generosity - Salt Meats & Cheese nourishing our Young People

Recently, Salt Meats & Cheese flung open their doors to our young people by hosting interactive cooking classes.

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?

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%.

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.

Cancer and Relationships - Coping as a couple

Your relationship with your partner/s can change during and after cancer treatment. Some couples find that going through cancer makes their relationship stronger and brings them closer together.

What are the cancer support services available to me?

Guidance and support is crucial when you're diagnosed with cancer as a young person. Canteen helps by connecting you with the right help.

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...

Help for dealing with cancer emotionally

Dealing with cancer can evoke a wide range of emotions. It may be tough to pinpoint what you are feeling and why, but Canteen is here to assist you.

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.

young person who's partner has cancer looking up

Supporting your partner when they have cancer

Being the partner of someone who has cancer isn't easy - it can be scary and confusing.

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.

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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