Canteen Australia | Cancer Support For Young People

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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

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In our communities for young people and parents

More from Canteen Australia

people at the AYA Global Cancer Congress in Melbourne

Building a Future of Ethics, Equity, and Emerging Ideas: Highlights from the 6th Global AYA Cancer Congress

December 2024 saw the AYA Global Cancer Congress take place in Melbourne, which saw people fly in from around Australia and the world for four packed days of workshops, exhibitions and presentations. Read about what took place!

Victorian Camp Program – April 2024

19 young people impacted by cancer attended our recent camp program on the Mornington Peninsula.

After 13 years of dedicated service Canteen’s CEO Peter Orchard has announced he will step down in July 2025.

Farewell to Peter Orchard: A Legacy of Leadership at Canteen

After 13 years of dedicated service and unwavering commitment to young Australians impacted by cancer, Canteen’s CEO Peter Orchard has announced he will step down in July 2025.

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 cancer patients' access to gold standard care secured

Young people diagnosed with cancer will continue getting access to gold standard care through the Youth Cancer Services thanks to the $24.5M in funding announced in the Federal Budget last night.

Canteen calls for expanded access to personalised treatment

A critical gap in Australia’s cancer care system is leaving adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer aged 19-25 without access to potentially life-saving personalised medicine.

Highlights from the 2025 National Youth Cancer Consumer Forum

In July, Canteen brought together 83 young cancer patients and survivors for the fourth annual National Youth Cancer Consumer Forum. Read about what took place!

the attendees of the canteen youth leadership festival

Youth Leadership Festival 2024

Read about the highlights from the 2024 Canteen Youth Leadership Festival, in what was another inspiring and fun-filled event!

people walking and talking as part of canteens five peaks challenge

A Mountain of Support: Thousands raise funds in Canteen’s inaugural Five Peaks Virtual Challenge

Thousands accepted the inaugural Five Peaks Virtual Challenge in March to raise funds for Canteen and young people facing the mountain that is cancer.

a group of 5 young people wearing bandannas

Impact Report 23/24

Read the 2023/24 Canteen Impact Report, which highlights the positive outcomes we have achieved for young people and families facing cancer.

image of young people outside in the bush wearing canteen bandannas

Annual Report 2024

Read the 2024 Canteen Annual Report which as we reflect on a year of life-changing support and impact for young people facing cancer.

Leyla, a person who is involved with Canteen's services and the recipient of a generous gift

Leyla’s Story

Read about how Leyla received a generous gift from a Canteen major gift supporter which enabled her to better manage her recovery from ovarian cancer.

Double Day Appeal Raises Over $109,000

In August 2025, Canteen ran a Double Day campaign, which saw Canteen raise more than $109,000, which equates to over 950 counselling sessions for young people impacted by cancer.

Support Canteen Australia’s Christmas Appeal to raise $332,716 for young people impacted by cancer. Donate now to fund counselling and peer support programs.

Canteen launches appeal to ensure no teen grieves alone this Christmas

Support Canteen Australia’s Christmas Appeal to raise $332,716. Your gift today can help ensure that no young person impacted by cancer faces the festive season alone.

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.

Canteen Australia Appoints New CEO

Canteen are excited to share the news that Siona Hardy has been announced as the new CEO of Canteen.

a picture a YAPS, a puppet which plays the role of a young person navigating cancer

You Are Not Alone: Patient Storytelling Through Song

Watch the music video made in collaboration between young cancer patients and Luke Escombe about the challenges that cancer brings to young lives.

a group of young men who are from a range of cultural backgrounds

Translated Cancer Resources

The Living with Cancer resource is now available in six additional languages, making this resource in cancer navigation more accessible for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds

some people who have been through canteens education and career service

Education and Career service expanded

Canteen’s Education and Career Service has been expanded to support all young people impacted by cancer.

Image of Pillow Talk Makeover in Counselling Rooms

Canteen x Pillow Talk - Providing Comfort and Hope

Read about Canteen‘s partnership with Pillow Talk, who have made a commitment to providing comfort and support to our counselling spaces across Australia

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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