My friend is affected by cancer
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Supporting a friend when they have cancer
Everything is ticking along as normal, then boom, the world is tipped upside down. Someone you know – a best friend, school friend, boyfriend, girlfriend, teammate, housemate, work friend, Facebook friend – has cancer. Talk about unexpected. Being the friend of someone who has or has had cancer is not always easy. It can be scary and confusing and throw you way out of your comfort zone. But your friend might need people around them now more than ever.
This booklet is here to help you understand that a friend with cancer is still your friend… and that they will find it helpful just to have you there with them through the ups and downs. So just by showing that you care, you’re already awesome!
Read ‘A guide to supporting your friend when they have cancer‘ online now.
Supporting a friend when someone in their family has cancer
You’ve found out that someone in your friend’s family – their mum, dad, brother or sister – has a life-threatening illness. Being the friend of someone dealing with cancer is not always easy. You may feel confused and helpless and be thrown way out of your comfort zone. But your friend might need people around them now more than ever.
Since cancer entered their life, your friend has probably experienced a truckload of change and faced a lot of big challenges. They might find all this stuff even harder to deal with if they think they have to go through it alone. You’re not expected to be able to make everything better. It’s OK to be lost for words and to find the whole thing pretty weird. But this booklet is here to help you understand that a friend dealing with cancer is still your friend… and that they will find it helpful just to have you there with them through the ups and downs. So just by showing that you care, you’re already awesome!
Read ‘A guide to supporting your friend when someone in their family has cancer‘ online now.
Supporting a friend when their family member has died
Every cancer story is different. However it played out in your friend’s family, they have probably already experienced a lot of big changes, heaps of uncertainty and a huge range of strange and confusing emotions. But the death of a parent or brother or sister from cancer is not the end of the story. It can be the start of a new journey through grief that will bring some of the toughest challenges your friend will ever face.
It’s not always easy to be the friend of someone who is grieving. You might feel confused and helpless and be thrown way out of your comfort zone. But your friend might need people around them now more than ever. Most people who have lost a loved one find that things do eventually get easier and they learn to live with their grief. But it can be a very rocky and lonely path.
You’re not expected to be able to make everything better. But this book is here to help you understand that a friend who is grieving is still your friend – and that they will find it helpful to have you there through the ups and downs. So just by showing that you care, you’re already awesome!
Read ‘A guide to supporting your friend when their family member has died‘ online now.
Gold Coast Titans put Canteen front and centre
From bandannas to the big stage: Canteen’s partnership with the Titans and The Lottery Office
Canteen’s partnership with the Gold Coast Titans and The Lottery Office shows what’s possible when sport, community and purpose come together to support young Australians impacted by cancer.
The partnership has already delivered moments that cut through well beyond game day. Most notably, fans, players and the wider community came together at Cbus Super Stadium for a record breaking bandanna moment, helping shine a national spotlight on young people impacted by cancer.
Youth cancer is rising. We need to take it seriously
Youth cancer is often underestimated, misunderstood, and diagnosed too late.
As CEO of Canteen, I see firsthand the impact cancer has on young people aged 15 to 25, and how often their experiences fall between the cracks of our health system. Youth cancer is not rare, and it is not the same as cancer in childhood or later adulthood. It is a distinct issue that requires age-appropriate care and support.
Lessons from running one of Australia’s most trusted charities, 40 years on
Lessons from running one of Australia’s most trusted charities, 40 years on
Running a charity for four decades teaches you a lot, but it always starts with this simple truth: we rely on the generosity of Australians. Around 80 per cent of Canteen’s funding comes directly from community support. That is individuals, families, fundraisers, donors and partners choosing to stand with young people facing cancer. Their commitment ensures Canteen remains free for every young person who needs us, with no barriers to access.
Reflecting on a year of growth, support and impact: Canteen Australia’s Annual Report
We’re proud to share Canteen Australia’s 2025 Annual Report. It shows a year defined by continued growth, generosity of our supporters and deeper reach into the lives of young people affected by cancer across Australia.
This Annual Report is more than a review. It’s a thank-you to every supporter, volunteer, partner and staff member who stands in the corner of young Australians when cancer crashes into their world.