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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Support young people like Jacob with a tax-deductible donation before 30 June.

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Connect with others 24/7

Chat with other young people who get it from the comfort of your couch.

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Grief and Mother's Day

Get some tips on coping with Mother's Day when you are grieving.

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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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Beyond cancer - Survivorship and redefining your life plans

During cancer treatment, you might not have had the time or energy to think about much more than surviving. But when your treatment finally ends, what do you do now?

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.

a young person who is supporting their friend who's family member has cancer

Supporting a friend who’s family member has cancer

This guide is here to help you understand and support your friend when their family member has cancer.

young person with cancer is looking to the side and smiling

The 5th Global Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Congress

There were many great presentations across the Congress. Here are a few take home messages which I found of interest...

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.

Cancer and Relationships - Coping as a couple

Your relationship with your partner/s can change during and after cancer treatment. Some couples find that going through cancer makes their relationship stronger and brings them closer together.

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.

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%.

Exclusive Movie Night in Adelaide to raise funds for Canteen

Canteen, in collaboration with Dancing Road Productions, Kojo Entertainment and The South Australian Film Corporation, recently hosted a double film night at Adelaide Studios.

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.

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.

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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