Canteen Australia | Cancer Support For Young People

Join our 30th Bandanna Day!

CTA

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

More from Canteen Australia

Celebrating 30 Years of Bandanna Day

Read about the celebrations that happened across the country as Canteen reached the 30 year anniversary of National Bandanna Day.

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.

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.

members of the canteen reconciliation Young Adult Reconciliation Network

Canteen’s Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan Final Report

Canteen is proud to share the final report from our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), marking the next step in our reconciliation journey.

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.

Victorian Camp Program – April 2024

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

Canteen Australia Appoints New CEO

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

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!

Schools Burst with Colour for Bandanna Day

Read about the amazing fundrasing efforts of Chapel Hill State School as they raised over $3000 for young people impacted by cancer

Front and Centre: Canteen's Young Leaders

Youth Leadership plays a big role at Canteen. Watch the Youth Leadership video to learn about how our inspiring leaders are making a mark across the organisation.

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.

3 young people who received cancer care from Canteen Australia

Canteen responds to warning of the human crisis in cancer care

Canteen backs the new Lancet Oncology Commission calling for compassionate cancer care, including robust psychosocial support for young people.

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 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.

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!

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 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.

Partnering for Impact: The Lottery Office and Canteen Supporting NT Youth

Canteen are pleased to announce that we are the beneficiaries of an $80,000 commitment from The Lottery Office, which will allow more young people in the NT to have dedicated counselling support.

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.

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!

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.

Canteen Australia Homepage