Canteen Australia | Cancer Support For Young People

Canteen support changes lives

Canteen provides life-changing support that gets young people through a world turned upside down by cancer.

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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

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More from Canteen Australia

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.

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.

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.

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.

NAIDOC Week – for me, it’s personal

Each year when NAIDOC Week rolls around (4-11 July this year) I start to feel more and more a shift in the way we mark and celebrate this week. This year it’s special to me as we move a bit further along in our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan at Canteen.

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.

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.

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.

How does cancer affect the body?

Everyone experiences confidence and body image issues at some time in their life, particularly as a teenager and young adult. Your cancer experience can change how your body looks, feels and works and can make things even worse.

Clinical Trials Fundraising Campaign featured on The Project

Imagine facing a terminal cancer diagnosis at the age of 16, with your only chance of a lifeline being an overseas clinical trial with an $800,000 price tag attached. Check out our latest campaign on The Project.

young person hugging and comforting their friend who has cancer

Supporting someone when they have cancer

Finding out your friend has cancer can be scary and your friend might need you now more than ever.

Communication with parents during cancer and maintaining independence

If you’ve moved into adulthood, you’ve probably already taken on more responsibility and control of your life through significant changes such as moving out of the family home and starting study or work. This growing independence may have shifted your relationship with your parents or carers.

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.

a young person trying to support their friend when someone in their family has died

Supporting your friend when someone in their family has died

It's not always easy to be the friend of someone who is grieving - you might feel confused and helpless. This book is here to help you understand that a friend who is grieving is still your friend – and that they will find it helpful to have you there through the ups and downs.

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.

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.

Dealing with cancer when you’re born with intersex variations

Having an intersex variation is about biological features (such as sexual anatomy, reproductive organs, hormonal patterns and/or chromosomal patterns) and not your sexual orientation or gender identity.

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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