Thursday, September 3, 2026

11:45 AM - 12:15 PM

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Overview

With around 2 in 5 Australians expected to face a cancer diagnosis by the age of 85, few families remain untouched by the disease. A cancer diagnosis can profoundly impact a child’s sense of safety, wellbeing, and school experience. Camp Quality supports the whole family in these instances, including families where a child (0–15 years) has cancer, and families where a parent or primary carer is undergoing treatment. Children navigating cancer in their family often face anxiety, confusion, school absenteeism, and social challenges such as isolation or bullying, frequently driven by misunderstanding and persistent myths like “cancer is contagious.” These experiences highlight a critical gap in awareness and education within school communities. This presentation will explore the challenges faced by children impacted by cancer, and how targeted, evidence-informed education can meaningfully reduce stigma, improve school experiences, and improve wellbeing outcomes. As a recognised implementation partner of the Australian Cancer Plan, Camp Quality is helping to normalise conversations about cancer, dispel misconceptions, and strengthen community awareness from an early age, ensuring the next generation grows up with knowledge, compassion, and resilience.

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Speaker