Youth Cancer Awareness Month
Youth Cancer Service
We are calling on Australians to put youth cancer on the national health agenda.
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Canteen is launching Youth Cancer Awareness Month to shine a spotlight on youth cancer. We are asking all Australians to support our call for Federal Government funding for Australia’s first research project aimed at understanding the full extent of cancer’s long-term impact on young people.
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
By not understanding how young survivors are doing as they age, we are missing opportunities to provide vital health screening, early intervention and more tailored support services.
Have your say
We need your support to secure $11.9 million in Federal Government funding for this vital youth cancer survivorship research. By not understanding how young cancer survivors are doing as they age, we are missing opportunities to provide vital health screening, early intervention and more tailored support services.
Share your story
Are you a youth cancer survivor? Share your story as part of the Fund our Future initiative and help us inspire our leaders to fund this vital youth cancer survivorship research.
Sign our petition
Sign our petition calling for Federal Government funding for Australia’s first youth cancer survivorship study so that we can improve outcomes for young cancer patients.
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.
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. Read our April 2025 Impact Report.
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.