Camp Quality and Canteen Launch Bloom: A Groundbreaking Web Series Tackling Teenage Cancer

National children’s cancer charity Camp Quality is expanding its vital Cancer Education Program to include teenagers for the first time with the launch of Bloom, a powerful new web series created to support adolescents impacted by cancer. The 5-part series was co-produced by Arterial Films, Camp Quality, and Canteen, with support from Screen Australia and Cancer Australia’s Supporting People with Cancer Grant initiative.

Until now, there has been a significant gap in school-based cancer education for teens aged 12–16 years, despite this group facing unique and complex challenges. For teenagers, cancer can mean disrupted schooling and friendships, heightened anxiety around body image, fertility, relationships, the future, and feelings of social exclusion. Whether they are experiencing cancer themselves or supporting a sibling or friend through it, many teens feel invisible in the wider cancer conversation.

To mark its release, Bloom will launch an exclusive preview screening at ACMI at Federation Square, Melbourne, on Tuesday 9th September. The event will be attended by students from local secondary schools, hospital and education stakeholders and cast members. The screening is an important conversation starter, using storytelling to build empathy and understanding among young people.

Bloom tells the story of Jasmine, a teenage girl navigating a life-altering cancer diagnosis alongside her best friend and family. The series delivers an authentic, emotionally resonant and age-appropriate portrayal of what it’s like to go through cancer as a teenager or to witness someone close go through it.

Deborah Thomas, Camp Quality CEO, says teenagers impacted by cancer often feel isolated and misunderstood at a time when peer relationships matter most, yet it’s also an age group that has been overlooked when it comes to cancer education. Our aim is to reduce the trauma of a teenage cancer diagnosis and the longer-term impact on their mental wellbeing, by empowering our young people and their families with credible information, education and support.

“For over three decades, Camp Quality has delivered its Cancer Education Program to children aged four –11 through in-school puppet shows,” says Ms Thomas. “Now, with Bloom, we’re taking a much-needed step into digital storytelling to reach older students, meeting them where they are and speaking to their unique experiences. Bloom was created to empower young people with empathy, resilience and the confidence to speak openly about cancer and to better equip their peers to support them.”

Canteen Australia CEO, Siona Hardy says: “Partnering with Camp Quality on Bloom reflects Canteen’s commitment to making sure no young person faces cancer alone. For 40 years, Canteen has been there for young people aged 12-25 when cancer crashes into their world.”

“Teenagers experience cancer differently – and cancer doesn’t come with instructions. They need resources that speak directly to their reality. Bloom does exactly that, with Canteen’s young people using their real-life experiences to guide the content development, ensuring it’s real, relatable and genuinely helpful.”

A 2020 KPMG study* found that bullying among teenage cancer survivors is significantly higher than among their peers, with 32.5% reporting bullying compared to 25% in the general population. Much of this is driven by misunderstanding and fear surrounding the visible side effects of treatment. By portraying cancer with honesty and heart, Bloom aims to reduce stigma and encourage inclusion in school communities.
The series also explores the challenges regional families face in accessing treatment, the emotional toll on siblings and carers, and the realities of returning to school post-treatment. It equips students, teachers, and families with the insight and confidence to offer meaningful support and build more compassionate classrooms.

Bloom will be freely available here.