Why we exist
A cancer diagnosis during the adolescent and young adult years can be particularly challenging for young people and their families. Young people aged 15 to 25 have:
- Unique medical, emotional, social, and informational needs compared to older and younger populations1,2,3
- Inferior survival rates for some cancer subtypes compared to children and older adults with the same diseases4
- Significantly higher rates of negative health and socio-economic outcomes across a range of areas that often have lifelong impacts (physical, social, emotional, educational/vocational, and financial)1,2,3,5
About the Service
The Victorian Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Service is a recognised leader in the delivery of youth-friendly and youth-responsive health care to young people and their families.
We offer education and training opportunities for health and community professionals and engage in research aimed at understanding and addressing the major cancer-related concerns of young people. We also have an established youth participation program providing young people with a voice in cancer service design, delivery and evaluation.
All service staff are skilled and experienced in caring for young people with cancer, focused on delivering age-appropriate cancer care in an environment designed by and for young people.
Young people and cancer
Cancer and its treatment can interrupt the normal developmental trajectories that characterise the AYA life stage and have both acute and long-term impacts on a young person's physical and physiological function, emotional and mental health, identity development, relationships, school and career plans and prospects for adulthood.1,2,3,4
Our service aims to improve outcomes and the experience of care for young people with cancer and their families via five strategic objectives:
- Lead the delivery of evidence-based clinical services
- Build a skilled and capable workforce to meet the needs of young people with cancer
- Deliver a sustainable specialist AYA service
- Collaborate in research to inform clinical care, education and policy
- Partner with young people to have a voice in how we shape and deliver our service
Mission and values
Working in partnership to improve the health and wellbeing of young people with cancer through clinical care, research, education and advocacy.
| Compassion | We demonstrate genuine care for and commitment to the wellbeing of young people, their families and each other. |
| Innovation | We actively seek out new and improved ways of doing what we do, whilst always working to the highest standards of professionalism and evidence-informed practice. |
| Collaboration | We partner with young people and other stakeholders to achieve shared goals and deliver meaningful outcomes. |
| Respect | We value diversity in experience, identity and culture and are thoughtful of our impact on others. |
Service times
Monday - Friday: 8:30am - 5:00pm
Contact us
We are based at Peter Mac's Melbourne campus (Parkville) in the Youth Cancer Centre on Level 1.
- Phone: (03) 8559 6880
- Fax: (03) 8559 6229
- Email for general enquiries:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Email for referral enquiries:
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Mailing address:
Victorian Adolescent & Young Adult Cancer Service
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
Locked Bag 1
A'Beckett St, VIC 8006
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