Canteen is proud to announce its contribution to the Childhood, Adolescent, and Young Adult Cancer Roadmap, officially released today by Cancer Australia. This strategic framework marks a critical milestone in Australian healthcare, specifically designed to address the unique challenges faced by young people diagnosed with cancer.
Key objectives of the youth Cancer roadmap
The roadmap establishes three primary areas of reform to transform the landscape of youth cancer care:
- Equitable access: strengthen access to age-appropriate and culturally safe supportive care
- Holistic care: improve equitable access to emerging technologies and therapies
- Coordinated research: Driving targeted, nationally-led research initiatives to close the gap in survival outcomes.
Aligning with the Australian Cancer Research Program
This initiative follows the Australian Government's recent establishment of the Australian Cancer Research Program, funded through the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF). This program is specifically tasked with coordinating research into high-mortality cancer types and those disproportionately affecting children, adolescents, and young adults.
Why this matters now
During Youth Cancer Awareness Month (April), Canteen highlighted an alarming trend: a rise in aggressive cancer cases among young Australians. This roadmap provides the structural response needed to combat this trend and improve long-term survival rates.
Our commitment to the future
Canteen remains dedicated to partnering with the Australian Government, Cancer Australia, and our sector partners. Together, we are working to transform survival rates and enhance the overall wellbeing of young people living with cancer.
