A cancer diagnosis can raise many questions and concerns for young people and their families.
Everyone’s experience and circumstances are unique (even for those of the same age, with the same cancer type and treatment), so while we hope you find these resources helpful, your GP and treating team are the best sources for information tailored to you.
Resources by ONTrac at Peter Mac
The below resources were developed by the ONTrac at Peter Mac Victorian AYA Cancer Service in collaboration with young people and organisational partners:
- Thinking ahead: a guide to school, study and work for young people who have had cancer - a guide on all things study and work both during and after treatment, including practical strategies and support
- Getting to grips with general practice - a comprehensive resource for young people with a cancer experience about finding, working with and engaging with GPs (they are one of the most important health relationships we'll ever have)
- Being OK...being you - a resource for young people with a cancer experience who identify as LGBTIQ+
- AYA Can-Sleep: a guide to sleep for young people who have had cancer - practical information and advice on sleep and managing common sleep problems
OTHER RESOURCES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
- Now What? Your guide to dealing with cancer (CanTeen) - information, tips and support on a broad range of topics for young people experiencing cancer aged 15-25
- CanTeen - explore their website for information and additional resources for young people aged 12-25, their families and friends on various aspects of the cancer experience from diagnosis through to life after treatment
- Cancer Council Victoria - information about cancer types, treatments and dealing with a diagnosis
- Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre - information, resources and events aimed at supporting people post-treatment and beyond, including a resource and support services page specifically for young people
- Exercise after a cancer diagnosis (Cancer Council NSW) - information, videos and a booklet on exercise during and after treatment for cancer
- Video: How quickly can you get back to exercise after treatment? (CanTeen) - information from a youth-friendly exercise physiologist
- Nutrition and cancer: a guide for people with cancer, their families and friends (Cancer Council Australia) - answers to frequently asked questions, information about common eating problems caused by cancer and its treatment, and tips for eating well before, during and after cancer
- Meal and snack ideas and easy snack and lunch recipes (Cancer Council NSW) - simple ideas for what to eat or make when you’re feeling well (and for when you’re not)
- Dealing with cancer-related fatigue (Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre) - a good summary of CRL and how it can be managed
- Cancer fatigue: live better (Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre) - general info about CRF with a focus on monitoring your fatigue and its level of severity
- Sleep and young people (Headspace) - sleep myths, truths and tips for young people specifically
- Headspace - youth-specific information relating to general mental and physical health, work and study, drugs and alcohol
- Youth Beyond Blue - information and support for young people about dealing with low mood/depression, anxiety and other concerns
- ReachOut - information for young people on topics such as identity, bullying, mental health, relationships, study, work and money, along with recommended tools and apps
- Kids Helpline - youth-specific, age-based information about many topics relating to identity, physical, mental and emotional health and wellbeing, relationships, study and dealing with life’s challenges
- Tune in not out - videos and factsheets for young people about dealing with life’s challenges and other aspects of health and wellbeing
- Maybe Later Baby? A guide to relationships, sex and fertility for young people with cancer (CanTeen) - honest, clear information about fertility options before treatment and issues relating to sex, relationships and body image
- Maybe Later Baby? A guide to relationships, sex and fertility for young people after cancer (CanTeen) - honest, clear information about fertility options after treatment and issues relating to sex, relationships and body image
- FUTuRE Fertility – an oncofertility service with fact sheets for young people on various topics relating to fertility and sex
- ReGenerate (ONTrac at Peter Mac) – podcasts from the ReGenerate app on life after treatment for young people, hosted by young cancer survivors and featuring a range of health professional guests specialising in youth cancer care (coming soon)
- Life on Pause podcast (USA) – a monthly podcast for and by young adults living with cancer
- Cancer Answer (CanTeen) – an app for helping manage all your cancer-related questions, including the ability to record appointments and listen back to answers in your own time
- – tips and resources from music therapists for young people living with cancer
- Gather my Crew – a web-based tool for setting up a support crew for yourself or someone else
CanTeen offers a range of information, resources and support for young people aged 12-25 with a partner, parent/carer, sibling or friend with cancer, including:
SUPPORT SERVICES
Your ONTrac at Peter Mac team member can assist in linking you in with services and supports most relevant to your personal circumstances.
- 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 (ONTrac at Peter Mac is the YCS for Victoria)
- CanTeen – offers a range of services for young people with a cancer experience, including personalised education and career support, counselling, peer support and events
- CanTeen Connect – online community for young people dealing with cancer
- RedKite – education and financial grants and assistance for up to 12 months after treatment ends for young people aged 18 and under and their families
- Cancer Council Victoria – offers a range of free services (e.g. legal, financial and a cancer nurse telephone service), and maintains a broader cancer services guide for Victorians affected by cancer
- Centrelink - a range of payments or other benefits may be available for young people and their carers
- Lifeline 13 11 14 - online support and 24/7 telephone crisis and suicide prevention line
- Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 - online and 24/7 telephone counselling support (to discuss any concerns big or small).
