Canteen Australia | Cancer Support For Young People

Person sitting with a small dog wearing a bandanna

Dog Walking Challenge

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Screenshot of some of the videos on Canteen TikTok account featuring some of the young people impacted by cancer who hav benefited from Canteen's free cancer support

Launching on TikTok is about so much more than just being on another social platform.

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illustration of two young people sitting on a couch

Supporting friends

Watch our video series for advice on supporting friends or loved ones through cancer.

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Canteen young person and their mum hugging and smiling at each other

Cancer Hub

Helping families impacted by cancer (with children aged 0-25) more easily access support.

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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

family of four standing by the ocean watching the sunset

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.

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.

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.

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.

Coping with cancer when you're trans and gender-diverse

There are a range of steps trans and gender diverse people may take to affirm their gender. There is no right or wrong way to affirm your gender.

canteen young people and their families with the living end band

The Living End VIP Experience

On Friday 2 February, Canteen young people and their families impacted by cancer got up close and personal with iconic Australian band The Living End for an exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The hidden increase in youth cancer

Since the 1980s, the overall survival rate for 15-24 year-olds diagnosed with cancer has gradually increased from 79% to 90%.

young person hugging and comforting their friend who has cancer

Supporting someone when they have cancer

Finding out your friend has cancer can be scary and your friend might need you now more than ever.

LOVE canteen bandanna designed by pillow talk

Pillow Talk announced as Principal Partner - Bandanna Day 2023

Canteen is thrilled to appoint Pillow Talk as their 2023 Principal Bandanna Day Partner to help provide comfort to young people impacted by cancer and their families.

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.

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.

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.

Three people sitting in the park talking

Embodying our values through action - Canteen's Diversity & Inclusion Framework

At Canteen, we have recently launched our inaugural Diversity and Inclusion Framework including our action plan for 2023-2026.

What it means to be a young leader

I’ve been a Board Director at Canteen for six years. In that time I’ve provided oversight and governance for an organisation that has a rich tradition of listening to and empowering its young voices. I am honored to be one of them.

About Canteen

Canteen is an Australian not-for-profit that provides free and tailored support to young people aged 12-25 who are impacted by cancer.

Overcoming Exam Stress

Exams are important for future opportunities, but can be extremely stressful, and these feelings can be compounded by a cancer experience. Read some tips on how best to cope.

young person wearing a santa hat and looking at their phone

Navigating the holidays after losing a loved one to cancer

Integrating the memory of your departed loved one into the festivities can foster a sense of togetherness. Here are some thoughtful suggestions to infuse their spirit into your celebrations this year...

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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