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Two Canteen young people walking in a park together, one with her arm round the other showing support

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

A photograph of a mother hugging her son

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

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.

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.

Unique & inspirational gifts for cancer patients - Collaboration with Annie-Renae Winters

Are you looking for a gift for someone with cancer or a gift that fundraises for people with cancer? Canteen has partnered with Kollab to launch a special lunchbox, with all profits from the sales to be donated to Canteen to support young people impacted by cancer.

Cancer Hub

When cancer hurtles into a young person’s life, the whole family’s world is shaken. It can be a daunting and confusing time for all – plus difficult to navigate all the support options out there. Enter Cancer Hub.

Community Education and Beyond

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

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.

The ‘silent pandemic’: is youth mental health losing its voice?

For most of my professional life I’ve been caring for children, adolescents and young adults. I’ve helped them with their nutrition, overall health and wellbeing, and now, at Canteen, with evaluating and understanding what exceptional cancer care and support looks like.

How to be a student with cancer

Many young people who have been through cancer treatment feel it’s important to go back to school or study as soon as possible. But if you have been away for a long time, it’s normal to feel nervous as well as excited about going back to school.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sally speaking on stage at the Tour de Cure gala event

Tour de Cure’s Snow Ball gala raises vital funds

Canteen were proud to be part of the recent Tour de Cure Snow Ball.

Launch of AYA Vision 2033

We are excited to introduce AYA Vision 2033, a cancer plan for Australian adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients.

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.

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.

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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