Canteen Australia | Cancer Support For Young People

Join our 30th Bandanna Day!

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An adult and a young person have a conversation on a couch

Cancer Hub

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

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Shop the latest designs for Bandanna Day's 30th Anniversary.

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Executive Director of Services talks about the Annual Report

Annual Report 2024

Join us as we reflect on a year of life-changing support and impact for young people facing cancer.

See it here

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

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.

Double Day Appeal Raises Over $109,000

In August 2025, Canteen ran a Double Day campaign, which saw Canteen raise more than $109,000, which equates to over 950 counselling sessions for young people impacted by cancer.

Canteen calls for expanded access to personalised treatment

A critical gap in Australia’s cancer care system is leaving adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer aged 19-25 without access to potentially life-saving personalised medicine.

Victorian Camp Program – April 2024

19 young people impacted by cancer attended our recent camp program on the Mornington Peninsula.

two young people who met via canteen's support services for young people impacted by cancer

Canteen’s 2025 end of year wrap

Nearly 32,000 support services delivered, strong outcomes, expanded programs, and national awareness initiatives helping young people navigate cancer with connection and care.

Delta goodrem with 3 canteen youth ambassadors

Delta meets Canteen Youth Ambassadors

Watch our video feature on how Delta Goodrem met with some of our inspiring Youth Ambassadors.

a group of 5 young people wearing bandannas

Impact Report 23/24

Read the 2023/24 Canteen Impact Report, which highlights the positive outcomes we have achieved for young people and families facing cancer.

Highlights from the 2025 National Youth Cancer Consumer Forum

In July, Canteen brought together 83 young cancer patients and survivors for the fourth annual National Youth Cancer Consumer Forum. Read about what took place!

canteen staff during a NAIDOC week event

NAIDOC Week 2024

Read our round up NAIDOC Week 2024, where Canteen staff took part in a number of events across the country

two young people wearing bandannas and embracing

Youth Cancer Survivorship Research

Canteen is urging the Federal Government to allocate $11.9 million for a pioneering project to research the full extent of youth 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.

Front and Centre: Canteen's Young Leaders

Youth Leadership plays a big role at Canteen. Watch the Youth Leadership video to learn about how our inspiring leaders are making a mark across the organisation.

Support Canteen Australia’s Christmas Appeal to raise $332,716 for young people impacted by cancer. Donate now to fund counselling and peer support programs.

Canteen launches appeal to ensure no teen grieves alone this Christmas

Support Canteen Australia’s Christmas Appeal to raise $332,716. Your gift today can help ensure that no young person impacted by cancer faces the festive season alone.

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.

After 13 years of dedicated service Canteen’s CEO Peter Orchard has announced he will step down in July 2025.

Farewell to Peter Orchard: A Legacy of Leadership at Canteen

After 13 years of dedicated service and unwavering commitment to young Australians impacted by cancer, Canteen’s CEO Peter Orchard has announced he will step down in July 2025.

health minister mark bulter speaking at the August 2024 cancer hub funding annoucement

The Next Chapter for Cancer Hub

Read the exciting news detailing the additional government funding which was granted to the Cancer Hub service.

a picture a YAPS, a puppet which plays the role of a young person navigating cancer

You Are Not Alone: Patient Storytelling Through Song

Watch the music video made in collaboration between young cancer patients and Luke Escombe about the challenges that cancer brings to young lives.

4 young people who are involved with canteen's youth cancer services

Reflecting on a year of growth, support and impact: Canteen Australia’s Annual Report

Read our 2025 Annual Report and discover the impact of your support - helping young people facing cancer through counselling, connection and tailored programs.

Young cancer patients' access to gold standard care secured

Young people diagnosed with cancer will continue getting access to gold standard care through the Youth Cancer Services thanks to the $24.5M in funding announced in the Federal Budget last night.

Partnering for Impact: The Lottery Office and Canteen Supporting NT Youth

Canteen are pleased to announce that we are the beneficiaries of an $80,000 commitment from The Lottery Office, which will allow more young people in the NT to have dedicated counselling support.

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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