Canteen Australia | Cancer Support For Young People

Person sitting with a small dog wearing a bandanna

Dog Walking Challenge

CTA

Find out more

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.

Find out more

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.

Watch now

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.

Learn more

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Guide to Canteen for parents and carers

Canteen understands that when cancer crashes into a family’s world, it can turn everything upside down.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Overcoming Exam Stress

Exams are important for future opportunities, but can be extremely stressful, and these feelings can be compounded by a cancer experience. Read some tips on how best to cope.

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.

Talking about cancer

Cancer can be a tough topic to talk about. You may have lots of questions but you’re not sure how to ask your parent.

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%.

LGBTQ+ and cancer - Unique health needs and common concerns

LGBTQI+ and cancer - Unique health needs and common concerns

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ+) and other young people with diverse sexualities and genders have unique health needs and concerns when diagnosed with cancer.

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