TOO YOUNG. TOO SERIOUS. TOO URGENT
Every day, more young Australians are diagnosed with cancer at a time when life should be full of possibility. The impact is immediate, life-altering and often lifelong. This year's theme - Too young. Too serious. Too urgent - is the reality faced by thousands of adolescents, young adults and their families across the country.
Throughout April 2026, Canteen Australia will shine a spotlight on the unique challenges young people experience.
Check back soon for stories, resources and ways you can get involved to support young people facing cancer.
In the meantime, watch the video below on Youth Cancer Awareness Month in April 2025, to see how we’re working to raise the profile of this important issue and spark greater awareness for the challenges that young cancer patients face.
The Critical Gap
The challenges of cancer don’t end when treatment does. There are more than 30,000 young cancer survivors in Australia, but no research to date has assessed the physical, mental and financial issues they face later in life as well as the wider social and economic implications. Research from the United Kingdom and other countries suggests:
Second cancer
youth cancer survivors are much more likely to develop a second cancer.
8x more likely
youth cancer survivors are eight times more likely to develop chronic health conditions like heart disease.
1 in 3
a third of youth cancer survivors are diagnosed with a mental health condition like PTSD, anxiety or depression.
Lower income
fewer young cancer survivors complete tertiary education and, as a group, have life-long lower incomes.
Tara's Story
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At 18, Tara was diagnosed with cancer. At an age full of opportunity and excitement, Tara was not only facing the physical effects of cancer, but the emotional ones too.
While her family grieved her diagnosis, she felt guilty for causing them pain, leaving her feeling confused and alone. Through Canteen’s support, Tara was able to understand her needs and access the support that worked best for her.
Now, as a young adult, she’s grown so much, and it's amazing to see the confident person she is today. She’s a leader, driving change to support young people like her, experiencing cancer. Our support services are only available thanks to our compassionate supporters, and we can’t thank them enough for their kindness.
Canteen Services
Canteen provides a range of specialist support services for young people with cancer. In addition, all young people impacted by cancer can attend our highly regarded events and programs, speak to a counsellor or use our online cancer support service Canteen Connect .
Youth Cancer Services
Young people need specialised treatment and support compared to children and older adults. The Youth Cancer Services provide age-appropriate care for young cancer patients in major hospitals throughout Australia.
Robots Program
Being diagnosed with cancer can often mean being stuck in hospital or at home. It can also mean missing weeks – and sometimes months – of school. Canteen robots provide support for young cancer patients by helping them stay connected to school, friends and family.
Education and Career Service
Cancer and its treatment can make it harder for young people to stay in school or follow their career goals. Canteen’s Education and Career Service provides tailored career guidance to help young people impacted by cancer explore their strengths and navigate the ever-changing job market.
SPACE
SPACE is an online group program for young people aged 12-25 going through active cancer treatment. It provides an opportunity to connect with others facing cancer and strengthen coping skills to help manage the impact of cancer on their life.
Thrive
Canteen’s Thrive retreat is specially designed for young people aged 18-25 who have completed cancer treatment. By meeting others in similar situations and learning strategies to manage the impact of cancer, the program supports young cancer survivors’ overall wellbeing.