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About the Queensland Youth Cancer Service

The Queensland Youth Cancer Service (QYCS) is for young people diagnosed with cancer between 15 to 25 years of age, who have a diagnosis of, or are undergoing treatment for cancer between 15 to 25 years of age, who live in Queensland.

Our services

Our team understand the enormous impact a cancer diagnosis has on a young person's life and the physical, emotional, social and practical issues that arise. Our aim is to provide the best medical, nursing, psychological and allied health care available, both during and after treatment.

The QYCS team includes specialist medical, nursing and psychosocial clinicians who have experience in treating young people who have a diagnosis of or are undergoing treatment for cancer. We work with a range of services to support you, including with your GP and local medical specialists. Together we can plan and manage your treatment.

We provide support including:

  • meeting with you to talk about your needs, this can be in person or over the phone
  • working with your local treating team to give you the best wrap-around care possible
  • helping you with work and study goals and any practical issues you might be having
  • organising cancer-related education for family, friends, schools and workplaces
  • linking you with support services in your community
  • understanding the challenges of cancer treatment and recovery, including helping you reconnect with life once you return home
  • connecting you with other young people who’ve lived through their own cancer experience.

We can also connect you to a range of specialist support services and give you information about:

  • common cancers found in young people.
  • sexuality and fertility, including information about fertility preservation and associated costs.
  • charitable supports available while you are in hospital or in the community.
  • eligibility and availability of clinical trials.

We also run a Youth Advisory Group (YAG) that you could join. The YAG proides advice to the QYCS and the Queensland Department of Health on youth-focused services and initiatives within Queensland. YAG members represent the voice and lived experiences of young people living with cancer across Queensland. Learn more about the group and how to join.

How to access this service

You, your family member or your carer can contact us directly and self-refer. When you do, we will ask for the contact details of your treating specialist or GP.

We also welcome referrals from your:

  • General Practitioner (GP)
  • hospital oncology service
  • nurse, social worker, psychologist, doctor, or other health professional
  • school.

If you would like to talk to us or make an appointment, contact our Clinical Nurse Consultant:

They are available on Monday to Friday, except public holidays.

Our locations

We provide a service to young people treated across Queensland.

QYCS partner hospitals have dedicated Youth Cancer Service clinicians to support young people living with cancer. Queensland’s 5 partner hospitals include:

QYCS also has a dedicated Statewide Team that supports young people in all other Queensland public and private hospitals and cancer treatment settings. The team can connect with you and/or your treating team via telehealth facilities. So, whether you are in Cairns, Toowoomba, Longreach, Sunshine Coast or Brisbane, the QYCS team can support you.

You can contact the QYCS Statewide team by either:

Resources

We work with a range of services to support you through your journey including your GP and medical specialists.

We also work with other cancer support services including, but not limited to:

Charity support

  • Cancer Hub – is a collaboration with Canteen, Camp Quality and Redkite who are working together to help young people and their families impacted by cancer (with children aged 0-25) more easily access the practical and emotional support they need, when they need it.
  • Canteen Australia - provides tailored support for young people impacted by cancer and their families.
  • Redkite – provides support for young people impacted by cancer and their families.
  • The Cancer Council Australia - Australia’s leading cancer charity that works across every aspect of every cancer, from research to prevention and support.
  • Cancer Australia – provides information about cancer types, the impacts of cancer and other cancer awareness.
  • Cancer Voices Australia - works to improve the cancer experience for Australians, their families and friends.
  • The Cancer Council Queensland – provides cancer support for Queenslanders.
  • Cancer Alliance Queensland – works with medical practitioners to improve cancer services in Queensland.
  • Ronald McDonald House Charities – provides accommodation for families when their children are in hospital.
  • Sony Foundation - aims to improve health and wellbeing of young people through positive experiences and social change in areas that are underfunded.
  • Look Good Feel Better - helps cancer patients learn practical strategies to manage the physical, psychological and social impacts of cancer treatment.

Counselling Support

If you need someone to talk to in a crisis, the following services provide counselling support:

  • Canteen counselling services - find out about them by calling 1800 835 932 or visiting canteen.org.au
  • Lifeline’s 24-hour Telephone Crisis Support – call them on 13 11 14 or find out more at lifeline.org.au
  • Kids Helpline – call them on 1800 55 1800 or find out more at kidshelpline.com.au/teens.

Help with school, study or work

The QYCS can help you with questions about school, study and work. They can also refer you to other programs and resources.

Some helpful resources include:

Last updated:
9 October 2024
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