The field of cancer has traditionally been divided into either paediatric or adult care. However, recent years have seen the emergence of adolescent and young adult (AYA) oncology as a distinct field. This recognition has been largely related to the increasing number of young people diagnosed with cancer within the 15-25 year old age group; the significant lack of improvement in survival and quality of life outcomes in comparison to children and older adults; the unique psychosocial factors this life stage and consequences of a cancer diagnosis during the AYA years.

There is now general consensus that quality care for AYA depends on four critical elements:

1. timely detection;
2. efficient processes for diagnosis, initiation of treatment and promotion of adherence;
3. access to health professionals who possess knowledge specific to the biomedical and psychosocial needs of the population; and
4. research that will ultimately derive objective criteria for the development of AYA oncology care guidelines.

The ONTrac at Peter Mac Victorian Adolescent & Young Adult Cancer Service is a multidisciplinary state-wide Service hosted at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and funded under the Victorian Department of Health Cancer Reform Strategy

Our vision for ONTrac at Peter Mac
To ensure that every young person living with cancer across the state of Victoria has access to multidisciplinary, developmentally targeted and culturally relevant oncology care, and to contribute to innovative service development based on research and collaboration.

Our mission for ONTrac at Peter Mac
The mission of ONTrac at Peter Mac is to develop sustainable service improvement throughout Victoria to enhance the well-being of young people undergoing cancer care.

We do this by:

• The provision of holistic clinical care to young people living with cancer
• Emphasis on collaboration and education as mediators of change
• Integration of innovative clinical practice with research and development
• National and international leadership

Values
Participation: ONTrac at Peter Mac is committed to young people’s participation and inclusion in service development and matters associated with their health choices.

Leadership: ONTrac at Peter Mac strives to be the leading service in the development of adolescent and young adult cancer services through increasing awareness of the health needs of young people through effective advocacy, communication and dissemination of knowledge.

Excellence: ONTrac at Peter Mac is supported by innovation and a learning culture adhering to the strongest ethical standards in both clinical practice and research.