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
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Life after treatment, Canteen
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Help and support, Teenage Cancer Trust website
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Teenagers and young adults, Macmillan Cancer Support (UK)
Booklets
Canteen
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Maybe later baby? A guide to relationships, sex, and fertility for young people after cancer
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Wait…did you say “cancer”? Supporting your partner when they have cancer
Victorian AYA Cancer Service
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Being Ok … Being You, A guide for young people who identify as LGBTIQ+ and have cancer
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AYA CAN-SLEEP: A guide to sleep for young people who have had cancer
Cancer Council
Cancer Council web pages and booklets:
Other
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Sleep and young people fact sheet, Headspace. Sleep myths, truths, and tips for young people.
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ReachOut website. Information and resources for young people about identity, bullying, mental health, relationships, study, work, money and more.
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Tune In Not Out website. Videos and factsheets for young people about life’s challenges and other aspects of health and wellbeing.
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Future Fertility website. An oncofertility service with information and resources for young people including topics relating to fertility and sex.
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Elephants and Tea website. Stories and online magazine written for and by 15 – 39-year-old patients. (US)
Podcasts
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25StayAlive. An engaging, filter-free podcast, educating and inspiring young people to be proactive with their health.
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Life on Pause, PennState Health. A monthly podcast for and by young adults living with cancer. (US)
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Getting Cancer Young videos. Series of eight short videos about survivorship and life after treatment.
Support services
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Cancer Council 13 11 20. Free telephone service managed by cancer nurses providing information, emotional and practical support to people affected by cancer.
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Canteen. Counselling and individual support, peer support and programs, Canteen Connect (online community).
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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.
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Redkite. Support for people, up to 19th birthday, and their families during and after treatment.
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Headspace. Free online and telephone support and counselling. Available for 12 – 25-year-olds, their families, and friends.
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Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636. Online and 24/7 telephone counselling support.
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Youth Beyond Blue. Information and support for young people about dealing with low mood/depression, anxiety and other concerns.
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Australian Psychologist Society. Find a psychologist in your local area.
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Lifeline 13 11 14. Online support services, 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention.
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Kids Helpline. Youth-specific, age-based information about identity, physical, mental, and emotional health and wellbeing, relationships, study and dealing with life’s challenges.
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Gather my Crew. A web-based tool for setting up a support crew for yourself or someone else.
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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.
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Centrelink. A range of payments or other benefits may be available for young people and their carers.
Group programs
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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.
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.