Canteen Australia | Cancer Support For Young People

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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

3 young people who received cancer care from Canteen Australia

Canteen responds to warning of the human crisis in cancer care

Canteen backs the new Lancet Oncology Commission calling for compassionate cancer care, including robust psychosocial support for young people.

Celebrating 30 Years of Bandanna Day

Read about the celebrations that happened across the country as Canteen reached the 30 year anniversary of National Bandanna Day.

some people who have been through canteens education and career service

Education and Career service expanded

Canteen’s Education and Career Service has been expanded to support all young people impacted by cancer.

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.

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.

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.

image from a canteen event featuring young people

What a Year! Celebrating the Highlights of 2024

2024 was a big year at Canteen - read about all the highlights from the range of programs and events that went down!

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.

the attendees of the canteen youth leadership festival

Youth Leadership Festival 2024

Read about the highlights from the 2024 Canteen Youth Leadership Festival, in what was another inspiring and fun-filled event!

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!

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.

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.

Canteen Australia Appoints New CEO

Canteen are excited to share the news that Siona Hardy has been announced as the new CEO of Canteen.

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.

members of the canteen reconciliation Young Adult Reconciliation Network

Canteen’s Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan Final Report

Canteen is proud to share the final report from our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), marking the next step in our reconciliation journey.

Image of Pillow Talk Makeover in Counselling Rooms

Canteen x Pillow Talk - Providing Comfort and Hope

Read about Canteen‘s partnership with Pillow Talk, who have made a commitment to providing comfort and support to our counselling spaces across Australia

Victorian Camp Program – April 2024

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

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.

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.

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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