About CAYAS
CAYAS is the Childhood, Adolescent and Young Adult Cancers & Survivorship Conference, now in its 5th year
Hosts
The CAYAS Conference is hosted by Childhood Cancer Ireland and CanTeen Ireland and is a wonderful opportunity to hear from those with a lived experience of childhood, adolescent or young adult cancer, to network with colleagues and to learn about new developments and plans.
Delegates range from clinicians and healthcare providers to parents, researchers, survivors and other people involved in the childhood, adolescent and young adult cancer community, both in Ireland and abroad.
2026 Programme Content
The full programme for CAYAS 26 is being finalised now and includes:
- Updates on developments over the last year
- Facilitated workshops for young people and siblings age 14+
- Panel discussion
- Round table discussion
- Tailored content for parents, healthcare professionals and charities
- Opportunity to have your voice heard
- Exhibition stands
- Poster presentations
Morning Programme
The morning programme will explore this year’s conference theme, The F Words – Functioning, Family, Fitness, Fun, Friends and Future – and how these principles can help shape experiences, supports and survivorship in childhood cancer.
Through keynote presentations, panel discussions and shared lived experiences, the morning sessions will focus on looking beyond diagnosis and treatment to consider the wider impact of childhood cancer on children, young people and families. Topics will include survivorship, wellbeing, psychosocial support, late effects, family experiences and the importance of participation, identity and quality of life throughout and beyond treatment.
The morning will also include opportunities for discussion and reflection between healthcare professionals, researchers, survivors, parents and support organisations.
Afternoon Programme
The afternoon programme will focus on connection, collaboration and practical workshops inspired by the F Words framework.
Interactive sessions for young people, siblings, parents, researchers and professionals will provide opportunities to explore wellbeing, survivorship and support in creative and meaningful ways. Workshops will include wellbeing and goal-setting activities, late effects and survivorship discussions, research collaboration sessions and round table conversations focused on improving experiences for children and young people affected by cancer.
The afternoon will encourage shared learning, peer connection and open discussion, helping participants explore how the F Words can be applied in practice across healthcare, family life, education, research and community support.
Registration
Registration is free and all who have been impacted by or are involved with childhood, adolescent and young adult cancer are welcome to attend. The conference and is aimed at ages 14+ approximately. If you have any questions please contact us at info@cayasireland.ie
While the conference is free to attend, please keep in mind that there is a cost to the organising charities. We ask that you are committed to attending the conference before you register.
Kindly supported by
We are grateful for the support of CHI at Crumlin and the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP), both of whom have recognised the value of this conference from the beginning and lend their expertise and support to ensure that the patient voice is heard and valued.