Call for Lifelong Support for Childhood Cancer Survivors

Over 20,000 Australians live with lifelong consequences of childhood cancer, yet care remains fragmented and underfunded

Mar. 16, 2026 at 6:04am

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National health, research and advocacy organizations have united to demand lifelong care for childhood and adolescent cancer survivors, warning that around 20,000 Australians are being failed by a fragmented system. More children and adolescents are surviving cancer in Australia, but for many, it's the start of a lifetime of treatment-related health issues that may not be fully addressed.

Why it matters

Around 20,000 Australians who survived childhood and adolescent cancer require lifelong care, with numbers expected to rise 20% in the next decade. 80% of childhood cancer survivors experience at least one long-term health problem, with mortality rates up to 10 times higher than their peers. Current survivorship care is fragmented and inadequately funded, with support often ending when patients leave the paediatric system.

The details

More than 20 national organizations have united to demand comprehensive, whole-person care plans and sustainable support systems for survivors. The nationally endorsed Childhood and Adolescent Cancer Survivorship Position Statement, "Surviving Cancer Is Not Enough", argues that survivorship must be a core part of every cancer plan, roadmap and research agenda. Chronic physical conditions can include heart disease, secondary cancers, neurocognitive and learning difficulties, mental health issues, poorer social and emotional wellbeing, growth and developmental disorders and fertility impairment.

  • Around 20,000 Australians who survived childhood and adolescent cancer require lifelong care.
  • Numbers of childhood and adolescent cancer survivors are expected to rise 20% in the next decade.

The players

Children's Cancer CoLab

A leading national organization pushing to boost awareness of the hidden health crisis facing childhood and adolescent cancer survivors and ensure they receive the ongoing physical and emotional support they need.

Dr. Udani Reets

Chief Executive Officer of Children's Cancer CoLab.

Professor Brendan Murphy AC

Board Chair of Children's Cancer CoLab.

Colbey Alderson

A 23-year-old Melbourne-based childhood cancer survivor who has faced ongoing physical, mental health, and financial challenges since his cancer treatment.

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What they’re saying

“Survivors do receive a survivorship care plan outlining their needs following treatment, to be used by future health care providers. However, these plans are often confined to a clinical perspective and don't consider all facets of a survivor's life.”

— Dr. Udani Reets, Chief Executive Officer, Children's Cancer CoLab

“We need to recognise survivorship as a lifelong issue. Long-term physical and psychological needs must be addressed in every cancer survivor's health plan, which is not happening for enough children and young adults after treatment.”

— Professor Brendan Murphy AC, Board Chair, Children's Cancer CoLab

“People assume that surviving cancer means you're cured and life returns to normal, but that's not the reality. You're managing the aftereffects of cancer for the rest of your life, and that comes at a high cost financially, physically, and emotionally.”

— Colbey Alderson

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This issue can't be solved by one organization, so more than 20 national health, research and advocacy groups have united to highlight the urgent need for action to ensure childhood and adolescent cancer survivors receive the comprehensive, whole-person care and lifelong support they deserve.