Every year in Australia about 1000 young people aged 15-25 years are diagnosed with cancer. Cancer is tough for anyone to deal with, but especially for young people when they are already dealing with major physical, psychological and social changes.
Adolescent and young adult patients have unique and complex needs. Study and work, independence, sexuality, peers, relationships, finances … they’ve already got a lot going on! A cancer diagnosis adds new challenges for young people and their families. They often need different types of psychosocial support, and for longer.
Young patients’ treatment needs are different too. It is internationally recognised that when a young person is treated in a hospital with specialists who are experts in their cancer type, their chance of survival is significantly improved.
For these reasons, the Australian Government has provided funding, administered by CanTeen, to establish and develop Youth Cancer Services across Australia.
About 70% of newly diagnosed young cancer patients are now being treated and supported through Youth Cancer Services.
Youth Cancer Services provide young patients with:
Read more about who is on a YCS team.
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