Cancer Council Queensland is encouraging young people who have had a cancer diagnosis to apply for a travel grant to attend the First National Youth Cancer Summit and the Inaugural International Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Scientific Congress in Sydney from 1-5 December this year.
Queenslanders aged 15-25 who are keen to share their experiences and enhance cancer care for young people are invited to apply for the CCQ travel grant.
There are about five new cases of cancer diagnosed in the adolescent and young adult population every day in Australia.
While long term survival rates in other patient populations have been steadily improving, adolescent and young adult cancer patients continue to have the highest mortality rates of all patients.
Cancer Council Queensland spokesperson Katie Clift said the CCQ travel grant would provide an important opportunity for young Queenslanders to improve the lives of others impacted by cancer.
“Successful grant applicants will meet others going through a similar journey, to share experiences and build on our collective capacity to meet the needs of younger patients and survivors,” Ms Clift said.
“Adolescence and the transition into adulthood is a time of immense change, development and decision-making in a young person’s life.
“Those diagnosed with cancer experience a particularly challenging transition from childhood to adulthood, faced with impacts on intimacy, body image, sexuality, fertility and peer relationships.
“Friends, social lives, increasing independence and responsibility, milestones, peer groups and family relationships are some of the issues faced by adolescents and young adults.
“Cancer Council Queensland supports opportunities to improve the lives of young people impacted by a cancer diagnosis through sharing their experience with others in similar situations.”
To apply for the travel grant or for more information, call Cancer Council’s 13 11 20.
Cancer Council Queensland is an independent community-based charity, the achievements of which are made possible by the generosity of Queenslanders.
For more information, please contact:
Kim Ryan, Senior Media Specialist, Cancer Council Queensland
P. (07) 3634 5239 M. 0488 015 702