Cancer survivorship for adolescents and young adults

Cancer and its treatment can change the life of a young person. You may find these resources and information helpful after finishing treatment and as you move forward.    

Websites  

 

Booklets 

Canteen  

Victorian AYA Cancer Service

Cancer Council 

Cancer Council web pages and booklets: 

 

Other 

  • Sleep and young people fact sheet, Headspace. Sleep myths, truths, and tips for young people. 

  • ReachOut website. Information and resources for young people about identity, bullying, mental health, relationships, study, work, money and more.  

  • Tune In Not Out website. Videos and factsheets for young people about life’s challenges and other aspects of health and wellbeing. 

  • Future Fertility website. An oncofertility service with information and resources for young people including topics relating to fertility and sex. 

  • Elephants and Tea website. Stories and online magazine written for and by 15 – 39-year-old patients. (US)

 

Podcasts 

  • 25StayAlive. An engaging, filter-free podcast, educating and inspiring young people to be proactive with their health. 

  • Life on Pause, PennState Health. A monthly podcast for and by young adults living with cancer. (US) 

  • Getting Cancer Young videos. Series of eight short videos about survivorship and life after treatment.

 

Support services 

  • Cancer Council 13 11 20. Free telephone service managed by cancer nurses providing information, emotional and practical support to people affected by cancer. 

  • Canteen. Counselling and individual support, peer support and programs, Canteen Connect (online community). 

  • Youth Cancer Services (YCS). Each Australian state has a team of health care professionals specialising in the cancer treatment and care of young people aged 15-25 that you can contact for help and advice.

  • Redkite. Support for people, up to 19th birthday, and their families during and after treatment. 

  • Headspace. Free online and telephone support and counselling. Available for 12 – 25-year-olds, their families, and friends. 

  • Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636. Online and 24/7 telephone counselling support. 

  • Youth Beyond Blue. Information and support for young people about dealing with low mood/depression, anxiety and other concerns. 

  • Australian Psychologist Society. Find a psychologist in your local area. 

  • Lifeline 13 11 14. Online support services, 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention. 

  • Kids Helpline. Youth-specific, age-based information about identity, physical, mental, and emotional health and wellbeing, relationships, study and dealing with life’s challenges. 

  • Gather my Crew. A web-based tool for setting up a support crew for yourself or someone else. 

  • The Christina Ghobadi Foundation. Wellness grants for young people (18 – 30 years) living with or recovering from cancer. This service requires a health professional referral. Supplies grants of up to $500. These can be used for gym memberships, yoga classes, books, tickets to sporting events and more. 

  • Centrelink. A range of payments or other benefits may be available for young people and their carers.

 

Group programs 

  • Victorian AYA Cancer Service. Free group programs for young people aged 15-25, during and after treatment. Includes study and work skills, visual arts, exercise, and post-treatment health and wellbeing.

 

ycab

The information on this page has been endorsed by the Victorian & Tasmanian Youth Cancer Action Board (YCAB), a 12-member board of young people who advise and guide the Victorian Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Service and the Victorian Government on youth related cancer programs and initiatives.