Who we are, what we do and what makes young people so unique.
Established in 2004, the ONTrac at Peter Mac 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 provide a range of clinical services for young people aged 15-25, and a state-wide secondary consultation service. We also offer education and training opportunities for health and community professionals, and engage in research aimed at understanding and addressing the major cancer-related health concerns of young people. ONTrac at Peter Mac also has 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 (1-3).
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 future prospects for adulthood (1-4).
ONTrac at Peter Mac 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 best practice clinical services
- Support improved AYA cancer care across Victoria
- Promote a culture of youth participation
- Build capability in AYA cancer across the health workforce
- Advance AYA cancer research and evidence
SERVICE TIMES
Monday – Friday: 8:30am – 5:00pm
CONTACT US
We are based at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre (305 Grattan Street, Melbourne) in the Youth Cancer Centre on Level 1.
Phone: (03) 8559 6880
Fax: (03) 8559 6229
Email: [email protected] (for general enquiries); [email protected] (for referral enquiries)
Mailing address: ONTrac at Peter Mac Victorian Adolescent & Young Adult Cancer Service, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Locked Bag 1, A’Beckett St, VIC 8006.
REFERENCES:
- Bleyer A, Barr R, Ries L, Whelan J, Ferrari A (eds). Cancer in adolescents and young adults (2nd ed). Switzerland: Springer International Publishing AG; 2017.
- Chisolm J, Hough R, Soanes L (eds). A practical approach to the care of adolescents and young adults with cancer. Switzerland: Springer International Publishing AG; 2018.
- Bibby H, White V, Thompson K, Anazodo A. What are the unmet needs and care experiences of adolescents and young adults with cancer? A systematic review. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol. 2017;6(1):6-30.
- Warner EL, Kent EE, Trevino KM, Parsons HM, Zebrack BJ, Kirchhoff AC. Social well-being among adolescents and young adults with cancer: a systematic review. Cancer. 2016;122:1029-37.
