Resources for Adolescent & Young Adult Oncology Patients and Supporters

The following three videos are part of a six-part documentary series about the experience of younger adults whose lives have been affected by cancer. To view all videos in this series, visit AYA Educational Resources »

• Watch Part 1: Diagnosis and Disruptions [opens in new window] »
• Watch Part 2: Mental Health and Its Stigma [opens in new window] »
• Watch Part 3: Getting Psychosocial Support [opens in new window] »

A facilitated meet-up for young adults under 40 with any type of cancer. Supporters (friends, family and partners) are welcome. Meet-ups take place every 4^th Thursday of the month from 6 to 7:30 PM on the 16^th floor, room 726 at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. Pizza will be provided. We encourage you to RSVP to aya@uhn.ca if you are planning to attend. Hope to see you there!

View the poster (opens in new window)

YACC's mission is to support young adults as they live with, through, and beyond cancer. YACC strives to be a connection to peers, bridge out of isolation, and source of inspiration. YACC hosts digital, local, and national programs like:

• Need to YACC
• Localife
• Retreats (Retreat Yourself, Retreat Yourself Adventure)
• Survivor Conference

Visit Young Adult Cancer Canada to learn about available programs (opens in new window) »

YACC monitors a private Facebook group for over 700 young adults dealing with cancer in Canada. The group's members share their trials and triumphs, as well as a few jokes now and then! Our private Facebook group is a very supportive space where you can ask questions or simply share what you are going through. Due to the private nature of this group, our community engagement manager, Lesley Morrissey, will invite you. Find her on Facebook, or email lesley@youngadultcancer.ca to let her know that you are interested!

Pink Pearl Canada is a community-oriented charitable organization that provides support, facilitates connections and empowers young women who are courageously overcoming the social and emotional challenges of being diagnosed with cancer across Canada.

Visit Pink Pearl Foundation (opens in new window) »

An 8-week group for people from 18 to 39 who are living with or after a cancer diagnosis. This group welcomes individuals who have been newly diagnosed or who are up to 5 years post-treatment. Topics in this group may discuss include: fear of recurrence, relationships, emotional health, transitioning, sex and sexuality, side effect management, navigating healthcare systems, and more.

Learn more about the 20s and 30s Support Group(opens in new window) »

Not your average charity, Rethink educates, empowers and advocates for people worldwide who are affected by breast cancer through boldfaced campaigns, content, programs and resources.

Visit Rethink Breast Cancer (opens in new window) »

Uncovered: A Breast Recognition Project is a new resource that focuses on the breast cancer experience of Black women. Through powerful imagery and real women’s stories, it shines a light on the physical and emotional scars of breast cancer. Uncovered was created in collaboration with Michelle Audoin and developed in response to the significant underrepresentation of, and lack of support for, Black women and women of colour in the breast cancer community.

Visit Uncovered: A Breast Recognition Project [opens in new window] »

On the Tip of the Toes provides young people living with cancer the opportunity to leave the hospital and take a break from civilization and the usual routine. The organization specializes in offering therapeutic adventure expeditions, supervised by experts in health care and outdoor adventure intervention.

Visit On the Tip of the Toes Foundation (opens in new window) »

Rebounders Canada is a registered Canadian charity that offers support and social opportunities to adults living with the long-term effects of childhood cancer. Rebounders Canada can help you connect with other survivors and enjoy fun social events.

Visit Rebounders Canada (opens in new window) »

Camp Quality Canada offers camps and year round programs for families affected by childhood cancer. We have summer camps, fun days, an educational puppet program and family camps.

Visit Camp Quality (opens in new window) »

The Nanny Angel Network is a registered charity that provides free, specialized childcare to families living with cancer.

Visit Nanny Angel Network (opens in new window) »

Gilda's Club offers programs and supports for kids and teens whose lives have been impacted by cancer, either having an immediate relative living with cancer or whose friend and family member have died from cancer.

Gilda's Club provides a variety of caregiver support programs, including a Caregiver Support Group.

Caregivers Connect: Support and Relaxation is a group program that provides a community for caregivers of cancer patients to meet with one another. This is a combined support group and relaxation program that provides caregivers (family members, friends or others who play a significant role in the care of the cancer patient) the opportunity to meet with others to share and discuss the challenges of the caregiving role.

The Young Carers Program offers a variety of free programs, workshops and special events throughout Toronto for young caregivers. Any child or youth 5-18 years old can take part if they are in a caregiving role for a parent, grandparent, sibling or other relative with a chronic or life-threatening illness, disability, addiction, mental illness, or language barrier.

Visit Young Carers Program (opens in new window) »

We are a community of mostly 20- and 30-somethings who’ve each experienced significant loss. We get together over potluck dinners to talk about the ways in which it continues to affect our lives and how to thrive in #lifeafterloss. Visit The Dinner Party (opens in new window) »