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European Youth Cancer Network
Where Young People Affected by Cancer
Come Together
Join young people across Europe who truly get what you're going through. Find the support, resources and community you deserve.
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100+ community-curated resources
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Our mission
What is YARN?
YARN – the European Youth Cancer Network – is an ambitious, EU co-funded initiative bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders: young people with cancer experience, healthcare professionals, psychosocial care specialists, policy-makers, researchers, and patient organisations.
Just as yarn is made of individual threads woven together, the European Youth Cancer Network (YARN) connects the voices, stories and strengths of young people across Europe affected by cancer.
Stella Kyriakides, Former EU Commissioner for Health and Food Safety
Had the privilege to participate in a meeting of @youthcancereu network. It brings together inspirational young people from across 🇪🇺 to share their stories and support each other. I look forward to continue following your journeys!
You're Not Alone in This
Hear from people with lived cancer experience who found their community and transformed their lives.
Aidan
USA
"I love being able to relate to others like this. It's unfortunate that cancer affected our lives but it's nice to know that we were never going through it alone."
Mila
Spain
"Being part of this community has changed my whole life. I now feel an overwhelming sense of belonging. A feeling that I’ve been lucky to carry with me ever since I became part of this community."
Erik
Sweden
"Found the safe space I was searching for, and truly needed; it helped me grow as a person and allowed me to start helping others and giving back."
Comprehensive Resources Library
Resources covering every aspect of your cancer story
Treatment & Care
Practical information, side effect tips, and care coordination guides.
- Research information
- Information guides
- Side effect tips
Survivorship & Recovery
Long-term health monitoring, late effects management, and wellness strategies.
- Follow-up care plans
- Late effects screening
- Wellness programmes
Rights & Support
Legal rights, benefits navigation, and advocacy resources across EU countries.
- EU disability benefits
- Workplace accommodations
- Educational support
Education & Career
Academic accommodations, career guidance, and professional development resources.
- Academic support programs
- Career transition guides
- Professional networking
Mental Health
Psychological support, relationship guidance, and mental wellness resources.
- Therapy resource finder
- Social support
- Coping strategies
Project Results
Download the latest project results and read our reports.
- Latest reports
- Research results
- Downloadable resources
Living with and Beyond Cancer: Navigating a Reality That's Anything but Simple
Whether you're in treatment, recently diagnosed, or years past treatment, the challenges are real. You're navigating an experience that most people your age can't understand. What's normal when you're facing cancer at a young age?
Isolation hits harder than expected
Friends don't know what to say. Family tries to help but doesn't understand. You feel alone in a room full of people who care but can't relate.
"I felt like I was speaking a different language. No one got the anxiety, the fear of recurrence, the identity crisis."
Information overload with no filter
Google becomes your enemy. Every website contradicts the last. Support groups are either too general or don't exist for your age group.
"I spent hours researching and felt more confused than when I started. What applied to me as a young adult?"
Missing out on rights and opportunities
EU disability benefits, workplace accommodations, fertility preservation options, educational support—nobody tells you what you're entitled to.
"I discovered I could have gotten financial support for my master's degree two years too late."
⚡ Here's the truth:
Whether you're in treatment or years beyond it, you shouldn't have to navigate your cancer experience alone. There's a whole community of people who've been exactly where you are—and they're ready to help.
Latest Research Insights
Cutting-edge research driving better outcomes for young adults with cancer
Health-care Transitions for Young People Living Beyond Childhood and Adolescent Cancer: Recommendations from the EU–CAYAS–NET Consortium
Childhood and adolescent cancer survivors often experience poor transitions from paediatric to adult health-care services. Our international, multidisciplinary panel developed 44 evidence-based recommendations to promote smooth transitions and ensure continuity of care for survivors.
44
Recommendations
2,538
Citations reviewed
Minimum Standards of Specialist Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Care Units: Recommendations and Implementation Roadmap
In Europe, over 115,000 new cancer cases are diagnosed each year among adolescents and young adults (AYAs, aged 15–39). Although the 5-year survival rate is 84%, health care systems often fail to adequately address this group’s distinct developmental, psychosocial, and long-term health challenges.
115K+
EU cases annually
84%
5-year survival
Stories Shaped by Resilience
Real stories from community members who found strength, purpose, and connection throughout their cancer experience
Interview
Navigating Life with a Proactive Spirit: a Conversation with Michael Severinac
Meet Mihael, a 31-year-old from Croatia who faced Acute Myeloid Leukemia in 2009. Join us as Mihael discusses his proactive approach to life, his mission within EU-CAYAS-NET, and the simple pleasures that bring a smile to his face.
Read more 2023
Interview
Living Life to the Fullest: A conversation with Nicola Unterecker
Get to know Nicola Unterecker, a 29-year-old from southern Germany. Despite facing a challenging diagnosis of a crossed form of Burkitt's lymphoma and Burkitt's leukemia at the tender age of 11, Nicola's zest for life knows no bounds: from outdoor escapades with her furry squad to jamming out on musical instruments and getting crafty - it's all there.
Read more 2024
Interview
The Power of Creativity: a Conversation with Aoife Moggan
Diagnosed with a spinal tumor at a young age, Aoife Moggan has turned to creativity as a source of strength and expression. In this interview, Aoife discusses her journey through cancer, the importance of advocacy, and the ways art has helped her find purpose. You'll be inspired by her resilience, her passion for helping others, and her zest for life.
Read more 2024
Latest Resources
New, community-curated articles and toolkits for you.
Article
15 Fun Activities for Cancer Patients at Home to Boost Mood and Stay Engaged
Discover engaging and uplifting at-home activities for cancer patients that enhance emotional well-being, reduce stress,...
Quality of LifeAll
2026
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Article
Wigs for Cancer Patients: How to Choose, Where to Buy, and Financial Help
Losing your hair during treatment is about identity, not vanity — and no one should feel priced out of feeling like them...
Psychosocial CareAll
2026
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Upcoming Events
Learn with others and grow your advocacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this only for EU residents?
No, any young person affected by cancer can join our community. Our resources focus on EU-specific support, but peer connections are global.
Is Discord private and moderated?
Yes, our Discord server is private with trained moderators available 24/7. We maintain strict community guidelines to ensure a safe, supportive environment.
I'm in treatment—will this help me now?
Absolutely. Our community welcomes people at ALL stages—newly diagnosed, in treatment, in remission, living with metastatic disease, or years post-treatment. Many members find peer support invaluable no matter where they are in their experience.
Is this medical advice?
No, we provide informational support and peer connections only. Always consult your healthcare team for medical decisions.
How do I get involved in advocacy?
Join our community first, then explore our advocacy projects to add your voice to EU-level initiatives. advocacy projects.
What if I'm a caregiver or clinician?
Caregivers are welcome in our community. Healthcare professionals can explore partnership opportunities to share expertise with our members.
Don't wait for the "right time" to get support
Every day you delay is another day navigating your cancer experience alone. Right now, someone in our community is asking the exact question you've been wondering about. Join the conversation.
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