CanTeen was established to ensure that no young person in New Zealand living with cancer should ever have to feel alone.

Living with cancer is traumatic at any time, but even more so for young people that are already facing challenges of identity, independence, education, relationships, intimacy and employment. The entire cancer experience including transitions from diagnosis, treatment, hospitalisation and remission is likely to threaten adolescent development and challenge the coping strategies of young cancer patients, their siblings, parents and friends. Cancer is no longer a death sentence, but it can mean the start of a long process of treatment and years of uncertainty. Even survivors of childhood cancer may have reminders of their cancer experience to cope with during the complexities of adolescence.

Since its inception, CanTeen has had a clear focus on the needs of young people living with cancer. CanTeen’s foundation was built upon the fundamental belief that young people - through meeting, talking and sharing their experiences - would be better able to cope with the uncertainties of living with cancer.

CanTeen believes the best people to support young people living with cancer are those who have ‘been there, done that’ or are going through similar experiences. Members- consisting of young cancer patients, their siblings and bereaved siblings between the ages of 13-24 - come together to form a national peer support network throughout New Zealand.

CanTeen is for anyone between the ages of 13 and 24 who is living with cancer. We aim to provide a relaxed, friendly and fun environment where you can share your thoughts and feelings with other young people whose lives have been affected by cancer.

It can be really difficult coping with cancer, especially if you feel you’re alone. What CanTeen offers is an opportunity to interact with other young people going through the same thing. That means there’s always someone on hand to offer advice, encouragement, and even a little inspiration that would be hard to find elsewhere.

CanTeeners regularly get together throughout New Zealand for summer camps, weekends away, workshops, support groups, and other great social and recreational events. CanTeeners also support each other at home and in hospital.

Having a brother or sister living with cancer can also be hard. Losing one can be even harder. At CanTeen our belief is that no young person should have to face cancer alone, so we offer support not only to those diagnosed with cancer, but to their brothers and sisters also.