Tips and Stories

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Featured Blogs

My Cancer Experiences

Thinking of joining an online cancer support group but not sure if you are ready?

My Cancer Experiences

How Canteen Connect can change your opinion of Cancer discussion boards

My Cancer Experiences

Online cancer counselling services available through Canteen Connect

Latest Blogs

My Wellbeing and Self-Care

What is Canteen Connect?

Canteen Connect is set up for your experience, your way. Canteen's free cancer support and online community for young people gives you the chance to connect with others who understand what you're going through 24/7. Chat with a counsellor, meet new at or...
Connect News

Canteen Community Guidelines

Connect acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land in Australia.   We also   acknowledge the First Nations   peoples of Aotearoa, New Zealand. We pay respect to Elders past, present and future. We...
My Cancer Experiences

Where To Find Cancer Support Services Near You

Finding support after a cancer diagnosis can often feel like a very overwhelming task. It can be a particularly challenging as a young person, to find support in navigating the life changes that have resulted from your own or family member’s cancer it is...
My Wellbeing and Self-Care

Isolation and the Cancer Experience

Isolation from a cancer experience can creep up without notice – so let’s talk about that. Isolation from people, places and the things that are important to you can lead to many different emotions,  and takes a toll on your mental health. Sometimes can...
Study, Work, Culture & Life

Coping with school or work when cancer comes along (when a family member has cancer)

Coping with work and school while a family member is diagnosed with cancer can be incredibly challenging, as it involves juggling multiple responsibilities and emotions. Here are some strategies to help you navigate this difficult situation: Open : Talk...
Study, Work, Culture & Life

Coping with school or work when cancer comes along (for cancer patients)

Coping with school or work when cancer comes along can be incredibly challenging, but with the right strategies and support, it's possible to navigate these difficulties. Here are some steps and considerations to help you cope: Open Communication : If to...
My Cancer Experiences

What Not to Say to Someone with Cancer

This past year, I’ve had a lot of experience with people saying the wrong thing to me as a cancer patient. I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, and since then I’ve had people say things to me that have left me hurt and frustrated. I’ve had...
My Wellbeing and Self-Care

Self-Care Tips for Coping with Cancer

Be kind to yourself We all go through tough times, let’s be honest, life sucks sometimes. Whether you're living with cancer (your own diagnosis or a family member’s), or school or university is stressing you out, its always important to take care of - to...
Grief & Loss

Grief and Cancer – what does it mean?

Grief - a word thrown around during hard parts of our lives. But what does it mean? Grief by definition: “Intense feelings of sorrow and sadness, often after a loved one's death”. It is a natural response which we experience when we lose someone or to...
Connect News

Terms and Conditions for Canteen Connect

1: General Before you use canteenconnect.org.au we recommend that you read: our privacy policy ; our terms and conditions of use, as set out here which, together, are the Terms and Conditions that apply to your use of our website. By using this website,...
Family, Friends & Relationships

Navigating Love: Dating During Cancer Treatment

Dating is an exciting and often nerve-wracking part of life, especially for young people. It's an opportunity to connect with someone on a deeper level, build meaningful relationships, and share life's joys and challenges. When you or your potential have...
Family, Friends & Relationships

Navigating Love: Dating After Cancer Treatment

Dating and maintaining romantic partnerships can be challenging after cancer treatment too. Cancer is a life-changing experience. You may be dealing with changes in your appearance, body image and sexuality.   Here are some considerations for navigating...
My Parent/Carer’s Cancer & Me

How to support a loved one with cancer (and yourself too!)

Hello, young champions!   For years, I have had the privilege to support many young people with a parent diagnosed with cancer here on Connect. One of the most frequently asked questions is, “ how do I support my parent with cancer?” .   Living with a...
Recovery, Survivorship & Fertility

Finding your new normal

What can you expect from life after cancer treatment? Many young people and families think or hope that life will go back to the way it was once cancer treatment ends. However, we know that it is less a process of going back to normal, and more about...
Family, Friends & Relationships

Cancer and Relationships with Friends, Family and Partners

It’s likely that every one of your relationships has been affected in some way by your cancer experience – whether that’s as a patient, or family member. After everything you’ve been through, your role in your family, group of friends or relationships is...
My Cancer Experiences

What is cancer recurrence? What to do if cancer comes back

Sometimes, cancer can return after treatment. This is called recurrence or relapse. It means the return of a cancer diagnosis after you’ve been in remission (cancer-free).  So why does cancer come back? A cancer recurrence normally starts with cancer the...
My Cancer Experiences

Managing Money and Financial Support for Cancer Patients – in Australia

From costs incurred by treatment, wage loss from illness or medication side effects, to simply having to buy more fuel or pay a taxi so that you can get to and from treatment, a cancer diagnosis can bring a have a big impact on finances.   So, let’s talk...
My Cancer Experiences

Where to find reliable cancer information

Receiving a cancer diagnosis is a life-altering moment that can leave you and your loved ones feeling overwhelmed and anxious. In such a challenging time, seeking reliable and accurate information about cancer is essential. While the internet provides a...
My Cancer Experiences

How Canteen and Canteen Connect Has Helped Me

Canteen Connect is a forum that offers free cancer support and is a space that holds all! It can be super helpful to find resources and articles for information that may be difficult to find elsewhere, information relating to young people, often composed...
My Wellbeing and Self-Care

Navigating Christmas, Holidays and cancer

It’s the most… complicated time… of the year. The Holidays can be a lovely season of joy, gifts, delicious food, hopefully a break from school, study or work, and a good excuse to catch up with people you care about. Whether you celebrate Christmas, New...