Adolescents and young adults

Cancer and its treatment can change the life of a young person. After finishing treatment, you may find these resources and information helpful as you move forward.

Websites

Booklets

Canteen

ONTrac at Peter Mac

Cancer Council

Cancer Council web pages and booklets:

Other

  • Elephants and Tea: Website and online magazine written for and by adolescent and young adults patients (15 – 39 years) (US)
  • Sleep and young people (Headspace): sleep myths, truths and tips for young people specifically
  •  ReachOut: information for young people on topics such as identity, bullying, mental health, relationships, study, work and money, along with recommended tools and apps
  • Tune in not out: videos and factsheets for young people about dealing with life’s challenges and other aspects of health and wellbeing
  • Future fertility: an oncofertility service with fact sheets for young people on various topics relating to fertility and sex

Podcasts

  • 25StayAlive: An engaging, filter-free podcast educating and inspiring young people to be proactive with their health
  • Life on Pause (USA): a monthly podcast for and by young adults living with cancer

Support services

  • Cancer Council 13 11 20: Free telephone service managed by cancer nurses providing information, emotional and practical support to people affected by cancer
  • Canteen: Counselling and individual support, peer support and programs, Canteen Connect (online community)
  • 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)
  • Redkite: Support for young people (up to 19th birthday) and their families during and after treatment
  • Headspace: Free online and telephone support and counselling for 12 – 25 year olds, their families and friends
  • Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636: online and 24/7 telephone counselling support, and Youth Beyond Blue: information and support for young people about dealing with low mood/depression, anxiety and other concerns
  • Australian Psychologist Society: Find a psychologist in your local area  
  • Lifeline 13 11 14: Online support services, 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention
  • 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
  • Gather my Crew: a web-based tool for setting up a support crew for yourself or someone else  
  • The Christina Ghobadi Foundation: Wellness grants for young people (18 – 30 years) living with or recovering from cancer (requires health professional referral). Grants of up to $500 can be used for gym memberships, yoga classes, books, tickets to sporting events and more.
  • Centrelink: a range of payments or other benefits may be available for young people and their carers  

Group programs

  • ONTrac at Peter Mac: free group programs for young people aged 15-25, during and after treatment; including study and work skills, visual arts, exercise, and post-treatment health & 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 ONTrac at Peter Mac Victorian Adolescent & Young Adult Cancer Service and the Victorian Government on youth related cancer programs and initiatives.