About
The needs of young people with cancer differ from those of children and older people. They contract some of the most aggressive cancers, which can be made worse by their growth spurts. Furthermore, they are often misdiagnosed - decreasing their chances of survival, and excluding them from clinical trials.
The campaignOur campaign is calling on the international community to recognise, act, and improve cancer care for young people. By supporting the International Charter of Rights for Young People with Cancer, you can help improve the lives and survival rates of young people with cancer across the world.
Our aimsWe will work on an international level, petitioning governments to sign the Charter and collaborating with hospitals and research centers to adopt the Charter.
Learn more about the charter.
Who we areAn international group of five charitable organisations based in Australia, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and the United States of America.
CanTeen, Australia
CanTeen is the Australian Organisation for Young People Living with Cancer. The touchstone of CanTeen is the belief that young people, through meeting and talking with one another, are better able to cope with the uncertainties of a cancer diagnosis. CanTeen's Mission is to support, develop and empower young people living with cancer. We do this by providing a high quality Australia-wide peer support network of young people living with cancer - who share experiences, have fun, offer resources, and promote understanding, well-being and leadership. For more information visit www.canteen.org.au.
Teenage Cancer Trust
A charity which exists to improve the quality of life and chances of survival for young people with cancer. We do not receive government funding, but rely on voluntary donations to design, build, equip, and staff specialist teenage cancer units within National Health Service (NHS) hospitals. Teenage Cancer Trust units aren't like ordinary cancer wards. We know that young people have a much better chance in their fight against cancer if they are treated by teenage cancer experts, in an environment tailored to their needs. For more information visit www.teenagecancertrust.org.
CanTeen, NZ
CanTeen was established to ensure that no young person in New Zealand living with cancer should ever have to feel alone. CanTeen's mission is to support, develop and empower young people living with cancer through a national peer support network, and high quality educational and recreational programmes. For more information visit www.canteen.org.nz.
Lance Armstrong Foundation (LiveSTRONG)
Founded in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong, and based in Austin, Texas, LIVESTRONG fights for the 28 million people around the world living with cancer today. LIVESTRONG connects individuals to the support they need, leverages funding and resources to spur innovation and engages communities and leaders to drive social change. Known for the iconic yellow wristband, LIVESTRONG's mission is to inspire and empower anyone affected by cancer. For more information visit www.LIVESTRONG.org.
SeventyK
SeventyK represents approximately 70,000 adolescent and young adult cancer patients in the U.S. who are diagnosed with cancer every year. With the help of young cancer patients and healthcare professionals, SeventyK created an advocacy and education movement to ensure hospitals, health professionals, and the general public are aware about the unique needs of this age group. We hope to change the way medicine is practiced in this community. For more information visit www.seventyk.org.