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

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More from Canteen Australia

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 hands joining together as a team

Can I work while having chemotherapy or other treatments?

Work is an important part of life – and not only for the money. Returning to work can help you to regain your confidence and independence and bring back a “normal” routine that gives you something to focus on other than cancer.

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.

three young people laughing and having a conversation

Annual Report 2023: A Year of Milestones and Impact

As we wrap up for the year, we're excited to share the remarkable achievements outlined in our Annual Report 2023.

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.

Unique & inspirational gifts for cancer patients - Collaboration with Annie-Renae Winters

Are you looking for a gift for someone with cancer or a gift that fundraises for people with cancer? Canteen has partnered with Kollab to launch a special lunchbox, with all profits from the sales to be donated to Canteen to support young people impacted by cancer.

young person who's partner has cancer looking up

Supporting your partner when they have cancer

Being the partner of someone who has cancer isn't easy - it can be scary and confusing.

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.

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.

Launch of AYA Vision 2033

We are excited to introduce AYA Vision 2033, a cancer plan for Australian adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients.

Community Education and Beyond

Canteen offers support and education so that ultimately no one has to go through a cancer experience alone.

Telling people you have cancer

It’s up to you to decide who you do or don’t tell that you’ve got cancer, and how much you tell them about what’s going on.

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.

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.

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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