YARN

Project Duration: July 2025 to June 2028

The European Youth Cancer Network (YARN) is an ambitious Horizon Europe initiative designed to empower young people affected by cancer through peer support, digital innovation, and inclusive care. Building on the legacy of EU-CAYAS-NET and OACCUs, YARN strengthens a growing European network of adolescents and young adults (AYA) impacted by cancer by enhancing access to psychosocial support, reliable information, and long-term care resources—especially for those facing relapse, metastatic cancer, and treatment side effects.

At the heart of the project is the Youth Cancer Council, which ensures that young people who have experienced cancer can help shape the design, implementation, and evaluation of the initiative. Through consultations, peer visits, focus groups, and training activities, YARN promotes meaningful patient involvement, fosters leadership, and drives long-term impact on cancer policy and practice.

YARN also addresses critical areas such as equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) by developing practical tools like the Inclusivity Checklist and a Certification System for healthcare settings. The project advances healthy lifestyles through dedicated workshops, exercise programmes, and a wellbeing-focused bootcamp.

The European Cancer Organisation (ECO) supports YARN’s activities in promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in cancer care, as well as in communication, dissemination, and education.