When does it happen?

• There is no set age at which this happens – so don’t worry that you will suddenly be “moved on” once you hit a certain age.

• If you were first treated in a children’s hospital you can usually continue to be treated there until you are 18.

• Transition is a process that occurs over many years. It should happen when you are ready and feeling well. If you are having a hard time or facing other stresses (like studying in Year 12), it’s not an ideal time to make the move. People will probably start talking about your move to adult services if you are about 13 or in high school. But it might not happen until you are in your 20s.

Making the shift

You may notice many differences between paediatric (children’s) and adult care. In the children’s system, your family was very involved and questions about your treatment were often directed at your parents.

• The adult services will treat you as an independent person and you will have more control over your treatment and more say in what happens. You will be expected to know about your medical condition and will be asked questions directly. You will be responsible for making your own appointments and showing up on time.

• It will be easier to adjust if you start preparing for transition well before your transfer time. Start learning about your cancer and taking responsibility for your medication a couple of years before you have to transfer.

• But don’t panic. Most hospitals have transition co-ordinators who are experienced in making this shift as easy as possible and ensuring that you continue to receive the support that you need.

Top tips to help you transition

• Learn about your cancer and medical history

• Learn the warning signs that mean you need medical help

• Know who to call in an emergency

• Start taking more responsibility for your own medication, equipment and exercises

• Talk to your doctor about what to expect and what needs to be done – ask your parents to wait outside

• Start meeting with new ‘adult’ doctors to check them out before you move

• Learn about Medicare and what your health insurance covers

How might you feel?

• It can be a bit scary to think about changing doctors and nurses and having to go to a new hospital or treatment centre. You might also miss your trusted old doctors and the comfortable and familiar children’s ward and feel like you are lost in between two worlds for a while.

• You might also be happy to leave behind the paediatric ward (and the Disney pictures on the walls). But the adult ward might seem pretty dull and boring – and you might be put in a room with much older people.

• It can really help you to be around people your own age, so ask the hospital staff if there are other young people you can meet, ask your friends to visit, or connect with people online. In some hospitals, you may even have access to a ward or area specifically designed for adolescents and young adults.

There are a number of resources available to help you manage this part of your cancer journey. Talk to your doctor about where you can get the best advice on what service is best for you.

TIP: It’s a good idea to talk to someone about your feelings, fears, doubts and hopes.