About the Victorian AYA Cancer Service

We provide a range of clinical services for young people aged 15 to 25, and a statewide secondary consultation service 

group of smiling young people at sunset

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

Over the last two decades, adolescents and young adults (AYA) have become increasingly recognised as a distinct group in oncology with medical, emotional, social and informational needs that differ to those of children and older adults.1,2,3 

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:

  1. Lead the delivery of evidence-based clinical services
  2. Build a skilled and capable workforce to meet the needs of young people with cancer
  3. Deliver a sustainable specialist AYA service
  4. Collaborate in research to inform clinical care, education and policy
  5. 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: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Mailing address:

Victorian Adolescent & Young Adult Cancer Service
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
Locked Bag 1
A'Beckett St, VIC 8006

Related pages

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