Cancer Survivorship Program
Supporting Adolescents and Young Adults Beyond Cancer
Cancer treatment ending should not mean support ends too. For many adolescents and young adults, survivorship can be one of the hardest parts of the journey.
The Cancer Survivorship Program has been created to support young people navigating life after cancer treatment — including the physical, emotional, social, educational and practical challenges that can continue long after active treatment finishes.
Delivered by the Child Cancer Research Foundation (CCRF), the program has been designed specifically for adolescents and young adults transitioning beyond treatment and into the next stage of life.
This is not just about surviving cancer. It is about rebuilding confidence, identity, independence, connection and quality of life.
Referrals
Referrals can be made by: Young people and survivors, Parents and caregivers, Hospitals and healthcare professionals, Allied health providers, Schools, universities and educators, Community organisations and support services.
Referral Options
Why This Program Matters
More young people than ever are surviving cancer. But survival often comes with long-term impacts that can affect every part of life.
Many young survivors experience ongoing health complications, fatigue, anxiety, trauma, fertility concerns, educational disruption, social isolation, employment barriers and uncertainty about the future. For many families, support can suddenly feel fragmented once treatment ends.
Young people often transition out of paediatric services and into adult healthcare systems with little guidance, coordination or ongoing support. This transition can feel overwhelming and isolating.
The AYA Cancer Survivorship Program exists to help bridge that gap.
What We Support
The program provides practical, personalised and trauma-informed support for adolescents and young adults impacted by cancer.
Support may include:
- Navigating life after treatment
- Transitioning from paediatric to adult healthcare systems
- Emotional wellbeing and mental health support
- Connecting with appropriate services and supports
- Education, study and employment support
- Advocacy and care coordination
- Building independence and confidence
- Peer connection and social support
- Assistance understanding long-term treatment impacts
- Goal setting and future planning
- Family and caregiver support
Every young person’s experience is different.
Support is tailored to the individual, their goals, and where they are in their survivorship journey.
A Program Shaped by Young People
This program is being developed with a strong focus on listening to young people with lived experience. The realities of survivorship are deeply personal, and no two experiences are the same.
Young people have told us they want support that feels safe, relevant, respectful and age-appropriate — not clinical, overwhelming or designed for younger children. That feedback is helping shape how this program communicates, connects and grows. From branding and referral pathways through to future program development, the goal is to create a service that young people feel comfortable engaging with and genuinely represented by.
Meet the Advocate
The AYA Cancer Survivorship Program is led by Noleen Ryan, Survivorship Program Manager & Advocate. Noleen brings extensive experience supporting young people and families navigating complex health, disability and community systems.
Her role focuses on advocacy, connection, practical support and helping young people feel seen, heard and supported beyond treatment. The aim is to create a program that is grounded, human and responsive to the real-world challenges survivorship can bring.
Early Intervention and Connection
The program is already beginning engagement opportunities with young people transitioning from survivorship care at Perth Children’s Hospital. These early connections are important.
For many young people, the period immediately after treatment or transition from paediatric services can feel uncertain and isolating. Providing information, connection and pathways to support early can make a significant difference to long-term wellbeing and engagement.
The Bigger Picture
The Child Cancer Research Foundation has funded childhood cancer research in Western Australia for more than 40 years. As survival rates improve, there is growing recognition that survivorship support must also be part of the future. The long-term impacts of cancer treatment do not disappear when treatment ends. This program reflects an ongoing commitment to supporting not only survival, but life beyond cancer.
Help Support the Program
The AYA Cancer Survivorship Program is an important new initiative focused on supporting adolescents and young adults beyond cancer treatment. Community support helps CCRF continue building services, resources and survivorship pathways for young people and families who need them.
If you would like to support this work, you can donate below.
Contact
AYA Cancer Survivorship Program Child Cancer Research Foundation
W: https://survivorship.childcancerresearch.com.au
Follow-up support, referrals and enquiries are welcome.