Queensland Youth Cancer Service

We support young people aged 15 to 25 who have cancer. We provide specialist support during treatment and help you manage life during and after cancer.

Who we support

We can support you if:

• you're aged 15 to 25 and have been diagnosed with cancer
• you're under 35
• you live in Queensland.

If you're over 25 and haven't used QYCS before, we can offer you transition and survivorship support.

How to access our service

If you're having cancer treatment at one of these hospitals, our team will usually contact you:

• Queensland Children's Hospital
• Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital
• Princess Alexandra Hospital
• Gold Coast University Hospital
• Townsville University Hospital.

If you're having treatment at another public hospital or private cancer service in Queensland, your treating team can refer you to us and we will support you through telehealth.

Your treating team or GP can refer you to QYCS.

You can also contact us directly.

How we support you during cancer treatment

We work with you and your treating team to understand your needs and what matters to you.

We can help you:

• understand your cancer and treatment options
• find suitable clinical trials
• understand fertility and sexual health information
• manage the emotional and social effects of cancer
• connect with other young people who have experienced cancer
• manage work, study and everyday life during treatment
• find services and resources that meet your needs
• talk to family, friends, schools or employers about your cancer
• support your family, carers, partner and other people important to you.

Our team includes specialist doctors, nurses, social workers, psychologists and leisure therapists.

Support after cancer treatment

When your cancer treatment ends, your GP and other health professionals may take a bigger role in your ongoing care.

Your QYCS survivorship and transition coordinator will help you plan for life after treatment.

Together, you'll create a survivorship care plan and treatment summary.

Your survivorship care plan and treatment summary

Your plan includes:

• a summary of your cancer diagnosis and treatment
• information about your future health care needs
• possible long term effects of treatment
• signs and symptoms to look out for
• your goals for life after treatment
• support services you may need.

You'll get a digital and printed copy to keep and share with your health care team.

Your plan can be updated if your health care needs change.

Getting support after treatment

You can contact us for support or advice until you turn 35, even if your cancer treatment has finished.

You don't need another referral or wait until something is wrong.

We can help with:

• new symptoms or concerns about your health
• worries about cancer coming back
• fertility and sexual health questions
• returning to work or study
• finding a GP or accessing health services
• travel and vaccination advice
• letters of support for work or study.

If your cancer comes back after you turn 25, we can help you access adult cancer services.

If your treatment goals change, we'll continue working with you and your treating team, including support from palliative care services if needed.

Join our youth advisory group

Our youth advisory group brings together young people who have experienced cancer. Your ideas, feedback and perspectives help us deliver services young people need. You can call or email us if you’d like more information.

Contact us

• Email: QYCS@health.qld.gov.au
• Phone: 0455 672 321 (SMS not available)

We’re open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm, except public holidays.

We’re not an emergency service. If you need urgent medical care, contact your treating team or go to your nearest emergency department. In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).