Global Congress is the flagship event of the Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Global Accord. Established in 2015 by Teenage Cancer Trust, Canteen Australia and Teen Cancer America, the accord was created to improve outcomes for AYAs affected by cancer worldwide. 

Guided by a shared belief that young people have distinct medical, emotional and psychosocial needs, the Global Accord advances specialised AYA cancer care through collaboration, professional development and advocacy. By bringing together clinicians, researchers, youth workers, advocates and young people with lived experience, it builds a global community committed to driving progress in care, research and policy. 

Taking place just once every two years, the Global Congress is where this international community comes together in person. It provides a unique opportunity to learn from experiences beyond your own and explore solutions and partnerships that continue long after the event has ended. 

More than a conference, the Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Global Congress is a call to action

Across four days, delegates will explore some of the most important challenges and opportunities facing young people with cancer today.

Global Congress 2027 will focus on three key themes: 

1. Diagnosing cancer earlier and faster in AYAs.
2. Ensuring fair access to the best care and treatment for all AYAs with cancer.           
3. Shaping the future of AYA cancer care through innovation, collaboration, research, data and technology.

Through international keynote speakers, emerging research, practical workshops, lived-experience sessions and dedicated networking opportunities, you'll gain fresh perspectives on shared challenges and build connections that can help accelerate progress worldwide. 

The experience of young people is at the heart of Global Congress

Young people affected by cancer play an active role throughout congress, ensuring that discussions remain grounded in lived experience and focused on what matters most. 

Maz was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma in 2020 and attended Global Congress in Melbourne in 2024. Through conversations with professionals and workshops alongside other young people, she gained new perspectives on advocacy and identified areas for future research connected to her interest in medical law.  

"Having my voice heard and learning new ways I can advocate has been invaluable. It has changed my view on life completely."

- Maz, aged 24

An established event that’s valued

This established and global event brings the community together like no other. The last congress that took place in Melbourne, Australia in 2024, welcomed 480 delegates from 39 countries, including 80 young people with lived experience of cancer. 

Those who attend Global Congress say it is valuable to them and their work

• 96% reported that congress was valuable or very valuable.
• 97% agreed or strongly agreed that they learned something new they intended to incorporate into their professional practice. 

Whether your focus is clinical care, research, service development, advocacy or lived experience, Global Congress offers a chance to hear how others are tackling challenges similar to your own, explore ideas that could strengthen your work and contribute to discussions shaping the future of AYA cancer care. 

Join us in Glasgow and be part of the global movement to accelerate progress and build partnerships for every young person with cancer!