Victorian Adolescent & Young Adult Cancer Service

Our team presented talks and displayed posters at day 2 of the 6th Global AYA Cancer Congress here in Melbourne. #ayacancer #ayacancercare #cancercongress

Today almost 100 nurses from around the world came together to discuss the future of cancer nursing for young people with cancer! Held as part of the 6th Global AYA Cancer Congress, this workshop was an opportunity for nurses to discuss some challenges nurses face in delivering care to adolescents and young adults with cancer and how these difficulties can be overcome. Thanks to the VCCC Alliance, Louise Soanes and Rachel Taylor for helping to organise and leading today's event. Special thanks to the panellists, our youth cancer advocates and workshop leaders. As part of the workshop, a position statement was created for nurses in AYA cancer care, view in the images below! #ayacancercare #ayacancer #cancernurse #globalayacancercongress

When Elijah was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma at 24, he says he had lots of tools that helped him cope. “Before my diagnosis I practised meditation and mindfulness. Mental health has always been a focal point for me. I was lucky that I already had a lot of people who would support me.” Research by the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that men are almost half as likely to see a professional about their mental health struggles than women are. “I think the paradigm is shifting but there is that old way of thinking that’s like, ‘boys don’t cry, boys don’t get upset' that I think is still pretty entrenched for some people. I do think that’s slowly changing for younger men”. Elijah says that for him a big part of mental health is finding things that fill his glass and holding onto normalcy for as long as possible. “Throughout treatment I tried to hold onto what I considered normality for as long as I could, until I had to let go. I did as much as I could for myself, even when people offered to help. It helped me to feel that my diagnosis didn’t define me.” Elijah also connected with the psychology team at the AYA Cancer Service. “During my first treatment cycle I spoke to the psychologist about my frustration with fatigue. She helped me remember that it was because of what my body was going through and how there was only so much I could control. It was about remembering ‘this too shall pass' and taking it a day at a time.” “Now I’m in remission I’m able to do everything I used to that improves my mental wellbeing and fills my glass.” #ayacancer #ayacancerawareness #mentalhealthawareness

Meet Dan, the AYA Cancer Service’s music therapist 🎸 We asked Dan to explain his role and how music therapy can help young people with cancer. The Victorian AYA Cancer Service offers music therapy for young people accessing the service as both an inpatient and an outpatient. #ayacare #meetheteam #musictherapy #music #therapy

🩺Calling all nurses interested in AYA care🩺 As part of the 6th Global AYA Cancer Congress the Victorian AYA Cancer Service is collaborating with the VCCC Alliance to host a pre-conference workshop about AYA cancer nursing. This workshop is free to register and open to nurses at all levels of experience who are interested in learning more about working with adolescents and young adults with cancer. Held at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Tuesday 3 December 8.30am-1pm. Register here: https://lnkd.in/gyJq_drb #ayacancer #nursingworkshop #ayacancercare #AYAcongress

We spoke to Conor, a Youth Cancer Action Board co-chair, for our 20th Anniversary last month about why youth advocacy is so important in the cancer space and some of the lessons he has taken away from his time on the Board.   #ayacancer #ayacare #youthadvocacy #ycab

It’s National Carers Week! This week we acknowledge the carers who help and support young people with cancer, both within our service and beyond. Healthcare professionals should be aware that carers can experience poor mental and physical health due to their responsibilities and to highlight that services exist to support them! Swipe below to refresh your knowledge on the resources and services you can recommend to carers. #ayacancer #carersupport #carerweek #ayacancercare #ayacancercarer

This blood cancer awareness month we’re highlighting why young people with cancer should feel seen and understood while undergoing treatment. Blood cancers make up 1/4 of all AYA cancer diagnoses and Hodgkin Lymphoma is the most common of all AYA cancers. Youth Cancer Action Board co-chair Ella spoke about her experiences with lymphoma and the importance of AYA cancer care as part of the 20th Anniversary celebrations for the Vic AYA Cancer Service at the beginning of the month. #ayacancer #BloodCancerAwarenessMonth #BloodCancerAwareness #youthengagement

Today we’re highlighting the amazing exercise physiologists working in the Vic AYA Cancer Service, who help so many of our young people with cancer navigate the challenges of treatment and recovery. Many young people with cancer face barriers such as fatigue, emotional distress, and limited access to safe exercise options. Specialised supports from exercise physiologists address these challenges through tailored exercise programs prioritising safety and individual need, while helping with motivation and emotional encouragement. Engaging in physical activity is particularly beneficial for young people as it supports their physiological and psychosocial development, helping them regain confidence in moving and build resilience during their recovery journey. Recent studies indicate that regular exercise can reduce cancer-related fatigue by 30-40%, anxiety and depression by 25%, and significantly improve quality of life. The exercise physiologists in our service have helped many patients remain active during treatment and return to their pre-loved activities or sport following treatment. #worldepday #worldexercisephysiologyday #ayacancer #exercisephysiology 

💛🎗️ September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Let’s raise awareness and support our young survivors! Discover survivorship resources for adolescents and young adults here: https://lnkd.in/gz6itmfP #cancersurvivorship #cancersurvivors #goldribbon #childhoodcancer Victorian Adolescent & Young Adult Cancer Service Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre