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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Canteen young person, Jacob, sits and looks at the camera wearing a bandanna on his arm

Make a tax-deductible donation

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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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

family of four standing by the ocean watching the sunset

More from Canteen Australia

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Dating when you have cancer

Dating and starting new relationships can be hard enough at the best of times! But after a cancer diagnosis, it may seem almost impossible.

Cancer’s lost generation

A lot of the work our research and evaluation team do is based on better understanding what it’s like to be a young person with cancer, including the sometimes elusive idea of friendship and connection. How do we measure that?

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.

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.

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.

It’s never ‘too soon’ to talk to young cancer patients about babies

Since beginning my career in paediatric and adolescent oncology, it’s been my goal to amplify the voices of young cancer patients. I’ve been particularly focused on fertility, which always strikes a chord with me when Mother’s Day rolls around each year.

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.

canteen young people and their families with the living end band

The Living End VIP Experience

On Friday 2 February, Canteen young people and their families impacted by cancer got up close and personal with iconic Australian band The Living End for an exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

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.

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.

group of young people, staff and volunteers at the Canteen Australia Winter Retreat in Thredbo

Winter Retreat 2023: A journey of firsts and unforgettable moments

Our Winter Retreat was filled with exciting activities, including ski and snowboard lessons, and the picturesque Thredbo ski resort provided the perfect backdrop for our adventure.

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.

Planning holidays and travelling with cancer

Travelling with cancer? Prepare for your trip with our guide on vaccinations, medication, medical records, and insurance considerations.

young person with cancer using canteen's robots service in hospital

Australian Cancer Plan

The launch of the new Australian Cancer Plan (the Plan) yesterday is an exciting milestone for cancer care in Australia. This is a once in a generation opportunity to improve experiences and outcomes for people affected 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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