The University of Technology law student had to face the real possibility that all he had planned and wished for the future was futile.

"It was a close call,'' said Mr Boyd who had survived numerous doses of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and the side effects that came with treatment.

Almost 18 months later, doctors have given him a clean bill of health.

Mr Boyd's brush with cancer gave him an idea.

With fellow UTS student and old school friend Ian Bacon, 21, he decided to start up a charity, Australian Youth Against Cancer (AYAC).

"I want to raise awareness of cancer in young Australians,'' Mr Boyd said.

"We want to raise much needed funds for organisations directly involved in the treatment, research and prevention of all forms of cancer.

"I also want to help other young people who have cancer but have nowhere to turn or do not have a role model to guide them through the journey.''

One in 100 Australians would be diagnosed with cancer before the age of 30, Mr Boyd said.

"It is the leading cause of death in teenage Australians and the rate of survival has improved little over the past three decades,'' he said.

As the first major fund-raising event for the charity, Mr Boyd and Mr Bacon plan to paddle their kayaks 2500 kilometres down the Murray River in December.

Proceeds raised from the journey will go to Lifehouse at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.

AYAC has just launched its new website which includes advice from leading health professionals about the need for young people to be aware of their health and to detect warning signs.

Stories from other young cancer survivors, information on upcoming appeals and directions on how to donate are on the website.

Details: AYAC