Young people with cancer have healthcare needs that differ significantly from children and older adults as the timing of ill health coincides with a critical period of growth and development
For healthcare professionals caring for young people and their families, understanding and responding to their needs is essential to support the delivery of high quality cancer care.
The Victorian Adolescent & Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Service in collaboration with organisational partners in health, community and tertiary education offer a range of education and training opportunities for professionals working with young people with cancer.
Cancer Care for Adolescents and Young Adults I and II
Two freely available introductory-level courses for clinical and non-clinical professionals that aim to provide a snapshot of key issues, topics and concepts in AYA oncology and cancer care.
Delivered via the QStream platform, courses employ an approach to spaced education backed by a strong evidence base to support its efficacy and acceptability. Courses are comprised entirely of multiple choice questions and answers (with background material and further resources) delivered to your email inbox at regular and repeated intervals. Takes just a few minutes per day.
Enrol here (you'll first need to sign up to the QStream platform, which only requires your name and email address). Learners are encouraged to complete Part I before enrolling in Part II.
Adolescent and young adult cancer care
Four free 30-minute modules aimed at nurses and other healthcare professionals wishing to develop their knowledge and practice skills in AYA cancer care.
Visit eviQ Education for more information and module access.
Community-based cancer care for young people
Two free 45-minute modules aimed at primary care nurses and other community-based professionals wishing to enhance their knowledge and practice skills in the care of young people with cancer.
Visit eviQ Education for more information and module access.
Enriching Communication Skills for Health Professionals in Oncofertility (ECHO): An eight-week US-based online training program that includes psychosocial, biological, clinical and skills building modules to help oncology allied health professionals communicate timely and relevant information about reproductive health to their AYA patients. The program is provided at no cost but is only offered at specific times throughout the year.
LOVE ECHO: A freely available online module on providing affirming, inclusive care to LGBTIQ+ AYA cancer patients and survivors
AYA Cancer Network Aotearoa (New Zealand): Postgraduate training opportunities, webinars and more
Offered only in discussion with the AYA team. We can provide a training session on why high-quality AYA cancer care is important and what it looks like.
Postgraduate Certificate in Adolescent Health & Wellbeing (Oncology)
A University of Melbourne accredited course for multidisciplinary health and community professionals, offered part-time via blended delivery or fully online. The course can be completed in as little as one year and scholarships are available.
A health promotion stream of this course is also available (Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma and Master).
Visit these course pages for more information:
Cancer Across the Lifespan (postgraduate subject)
This postgraduate subject offered through the University of Melbourne features a two-week module on AYA cancer care. It can be taken as a single subject or as part of a Specialist Certificate, Graduate Certificate or Master in Cancer Sciences.
We have existing relationships with educational institutions and offer placements for students in allied health disciplines. Previous students have included Social Workers and Exercise Psychologists.
To enquire about our student placements please email
We accept medical fellows looking to gain experience in Adolescent and Young Adult cancer care.
A quarterly email-based newsletter for Victorian clinicians from all disciplines providing info on AYA cancer-related clinical issues, services, research, professional development opportunities and more.
See select articles from current issues or join the mailing list.
Addressing sleep difficulties in adolescents and young adults (AYA) with cancer (October 2022)
Intended audience: multidisciplinary health and community service professionals with an interest in youth mental health or sleep.
Up to 50% of young people with cancer experience ongoing sleep problems that can significantly impact upon life and function. Presented by the Victorian Adolescent & Young Adult Cancer Service and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre’s Department of Psychology, this webinar explored common sleep issues in AYA (aged 15 to 25 years) and evidence-based strategies for addressing them.
While traditional CBT is the ideal first line treatment for insomnia, self-management CBT resources are also effective, particularly if combined with psychoeducation. The AYA Can-Sleep guide for young people is now available for this purpose- please feel free to use in the context of your clinical discussions and provide as a resource to young people as appropriate.
See more information about improving night-time sleep problems for your AYA patients and clients.
Educational resources and opportunities relating to the field of adolescent health, a key influence in and contributor to the development of best practice in AYA cancer care.