Useful links

The following links provide access to reliable cancer treatment information and resources that we have reviewed and recommend. 

Sometimes the information and recommendations you read will differ from the advice provided by your treatment or supportive care team. This might be because New Zealand practices have been slightly adapted to meet local conditions. Sometimes it is because of the unique circumstances of your case.

We encourage you to discuss these differences with your team and to raise any concerns that you may have.

New Zealand support groups & services

Canteen supports young people aged 13-24 when cancer turns their world upside down and helps them cope with the physical, emotional and practical impact of living with cancer.

Make a Wish grants wishes and experiences for children and young people with life-threatening conditions up to 18 years of age.

PINC and STEEL are a team of fully qualified cancer rehab physiotherapists here to support, guide and rehabilitate people through every stage of their treatment and recovery.

Child Cancer Foundation provides strength and comfort to families, parents and children impacted by child cancer.

Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand (LBC) is the leading organisation in New Zealand dedicated to supporting patients and their families living with leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma and related blood conditions.

Look Good Feel Better is a free program that focuses on addressing the visible side effects of cancer treatment including hair loss, eyebrows, eyelashes and other skin related issues.

The Cancer Society provides information, support and resources to those facing cancer in New Zealand.

Information and links to regional health schools for young people who cant attend school due to illness.

Links to information on the Ministry of Health national travel assistance programme

Ronald McDonald House provides free accommodation and support services for hospitalised children receiving treatment away from home.

Camp Quality brings fun, hope and happiness into the lives of children living with cancer – inspiring them to get on with being kids again.

About my cancer and treatment

A UK website providing reliable information about cancer and its management, including access to online booklets and resources.

A New Zealand website providing up-to-date information, practical advice and support for blood cancer patients and their whānau.

An American website maintained by oncology health professionals to provide up-to-date cancer information to patients and their whānau.

An American website with an overview of cancer in young people.

A New Zealand website providing information on breast cancer.

A UK website with general information about cancer, the causes and current research.

An American website providing current, comprehensive, oncologist-approved information from the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

An American website providing information on melanoma, the treatment options and the possible side effects.

A computer game based website teaching young people about cancer treatment.

A New Zealand website with an overview of testicular cancer, including downloadable fact sheets and videos.

Living with cancer as a young person - information, support & resources

An American child cancer website with information on cancer and research.

An Australian organisation for young people living with cancer that offers support information and resources.

A UK charity dedicated to providing young people with expert treatment and support from the moment they hear the word ‘cancer’

A US charity advocating for age appropriate resources so young people can get busy living

Videos for cancer patients made by cancer patients. Views and experiences that the doctors can’t tell you

A US charity website there to help adolescents and young adults impacted by cancer live their very best lives.

A US charity website focussed on supporting young people to overcome the challenges that present when diagnosed with cancer.

Livewire is an online community designed just for young people living with a serious illness, chronic health condition or disability, and their families.

This website contains resources to support young people and their families as they take on their self-management of their care and prepare for transfer into adult health care

Emotions and worries

Youthline works with young people, their families and those supporting young people.

A safe place for you to TALK about ANYTHING at all.

If you’re stuck feeling bad The Lowdown help you find ideas and people who can help you get unstuck.

A unique award-winning computer program that helps young people learn skills to deal with feeling down, depressed or stressed.

A website for family, whānau and friends to help young people enjoy positive mental health and wellbeing

The mission of Voices of Hope is to provide hope for those struggling with mental health issues by promoting mental well-being, empowerment and recovery.

When cure is no longer an option

The following links provides information on services available when cure is no longer an option.

Skylight is a national not for profit trust that enables children, young people, their whanau and friends to navigate through times of trauma, loss and grief.

Life after cancer - what next?

These links provide informtation on how the treatment you’ve received may impact your life

You may have many questions about what happens next, and how your diagnosis and treatment may affect you future life.

Heidi Watson

The Clinical Leader is responsible for providing clinical leadership and national oversight of the network .

Heidi is a passionate and experienced health professional with a strong clinical, education and leadership background. Her enthusiasm for, and commitment to youth health has focused on improving the outcomes of youth with cancer and chronic health conditions. Previously, Heidi held the position of AYA Cancer Nurse Specialist for Auckland District Health Board. Alongside her AYA clinical leadership role she holds a youth health academic position at the University of Auckland.