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

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.

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.

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.

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.

When your parent's cancer can't be cured

Hearing the news that your parent might have a limited time to live is going to be very hard for you. That's the understatement of the year.

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.

Three people sitting in the park talking

Embodying our values through action - Canteen's Diversity & Inclusion Framework

At Canteen, we have recently launched our inaugural Diversity and Inclusion Framework including our action plan for 2023-2026.

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.

Dealing with the emotional effects of cancer on siblings

Best friends or sworn enemies? Probably both – and it can move from one to the other in just a few seconds. Whatever your relationship with your brother or sister was like before, it’s likely to change – for better or worse – now that cancer has come into your life.

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.

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.

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.

What it means to be a young leader

I’ve been a Board Director at Canteen for six years. In that time I’ve provided oversight and governance for an organisation that has a rich tradition of listening to and empowering its young voices. I am honored to be one of them.

A group of friends supporting a friend with cancer

How to manage both cancer and friendships

Friends can be amazing and supportive, but cancer can shake even the strongest friendship. You may lose some friends and gain new ones.

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?

What is cancer? Is cancer curable?

Cancer is a disease of the cells. Our bodies are made up of billions of cells – they are basically like building blocks. Normally, cells grow and divide to make more cells only when the body needs them.

Guide to Canteen for parents and carers

Canteen understands that when cancer crashes into a family’s world, it can turn everything upside down.

Researching the benefits of youth leadership at Canteen

Youth Leadership is a big part of what we do at Canteen, and can have a long-lasting impact on people.

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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