Young people are the most powerful advocates for their own needs and have the right to meaningfully participate in shaping the services they access.
The Victorian Adolescent & Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Service proudly works alongside young people to strengthen their voice across the Victorian cancer sector. We have developed a Youth Participation Framework drawing on best practice and international guidance to promote impactful youth engagement at every level of service development and delivery.
Youth Cancer Action
Youth Cancer Action is a youth participation and engagement initiative providing a range of opportunities for young people to be involved in the design, delivery and evaluation of health services relevant to them in a formal or informal capacity. It currently comprises the Youth Cancer Action Board (YCAB) and the Youth Cancer Action Advocates (YCAA), which together form the Youth Cancer Action Network.
All members of the Network receive appropriate education, training and support through the Victorian AYA Cancer Service.
We accept requests for youth participation and engagement from across the Victorian and Tasmanian cancer sectors
Victorian and Tasmanian Youth Cancer Action Board (YCAB)
Established in 2010, YCAB comprises a diverse group of 12 young people diagnosed with cancer between the ages of 15 and 25 years. Together they are the collective voice responsible for providing advice and guidance to government and the broader health and community sectors on cancer policy, priorities and services affecting Victorian and Tasmanian youth. YCAB is regularly invited to present their work at conferences.
Board members are broadly representative of the diversity of young people and treatment experiences across a range of settings (paediatric/adult, metro/regional, public/private), and are appointed for a three-year term via a formal application and interview process.
YCAB is governed by Peter Mac and closely supported by the Victorian Adolescent & Young Adult Cancer Service, reporting through to the Victorian Department of Health.
Youth Cancer Action Advocates (YCAA)
Established in 2021 with support from the Victorian Department of Health, the YCAA is a broader network of young people with a cancer experience whose members (aged 15-30 years) can be engaged for a range of initiatives and activities, such as:
- Reviewing or advising on youth cancer-related policies, plans, programs, or environments
- Consulting on education and training and other initiatives to support clinicians in addressing the needs of AYA
- Informing collaborative research priorities
- Participating in research or other opportunities for sharing opinions, views, and experiences
YCAA members may serve on committees, boards, working groups or panels; as liaisons, advisors, or team members on specific projects; or in other roles involving active dialogue with health professionals and decision-makers. Opportunities are allocated based on young peoples’ area(s) of interest and availability.
Interested in engaging the Youth Cancer Action Network in your work or project?
Complete the Youth Participation Request Form
All requests are triaged to either YCAB or YCAA by the Victorian AYA Cancer Service’s Youth Participation Coordinator.
Youth Participation and Engagement Internship Program
The Youth Participation Internship is offered periodically as an exciting opportunity for a young person with a cancer experience to gain knowledge, skills and experience to support a future career pathway in a relevant discipline such as youth work, social work, community services or health promotion. Working alongside AYA Cancer Centre researchers, clinical specialists and workforce educators, the intern is involved in a range of activities aimed at supporting the engagement of young people in youth cancer initiatives.
Applications for the Youth Participation & Engagement Internship are currently closed; information regarding future opportunities will be posted here when available.
For more information on our Youth Participation Framework or the above programs:
Contact Ilana Berger, Victorian AYA Cancer Service Team Leader and Youth Participation Coordinator, on (03) 8559 6880 or