Every year around 190 young people aged 12-24 years will hear the words ‘you have cancer’. There is never a good time to be diagnosed with cancer, but it can be particularly challenging for young people.

The AYA (Adolescent and Young Adult) Cancer Network Aotearoa was established in 2013 to provide strategic direction, clinical leadership and monitoring of AYA cancer care across the country. Our goal is to ensure that all young people with cancer have equitable access to high quality and age-appropriate medical and supportive care regardless of where they live, their age or ethnicity.

The Network connects hands-on health care and support providers from many disciplines and organisations across Aotearoa, including medical, nursing, allied health and NGO front line support providers. We employ a small, dynamic team of professionals to drive improvements in cancer services for AYAs.

Here are some of the things that we do:

Advocacy: We make sure that young people have a say in how cancer services are delivered to them

Resource Development: We produce resources to help guide and support young people through the many challenges that cancer may bring

Education: We help educate health providers about AYA cancers and how to work effectively with young people

Research: We lead and support research to improve AYA cancer treatment and care

Special Projects: We work closely with AYA Cancer Keyworkers and healthcare providers to turn their great ideas into action

Monitoring: We monitor AYAs with cancer to help ensure that young people across the country receive the same high standard of care