The second national report presenting comprehensive statistics on cancer in adolescents and young adults in Aotearoa has now been released alongside the AYA Cancer Action Plan 2020 to 2025, Mahere Tautapa Mate Pukupuku Taiohi.
This report focuses on the ten-year period between 2008 and 2017, which follows the establishment of AYA Cancer Services and the six regional AYA keyworkers. The purpose of this report was to identify changes in our cancer incidence and survival over time, to add to our understanding of the burden of cancer for our young people, and as stated, to support the AYA Action Plan.
Kirsten Ballantine, our Data Projects Lead has also produced a webinar to provide a little more detail about the main findings which can be viewed by CLICKING HERE
To view the full report CLICK HERE | To view a snapshot of the report CLICK HERE Previous
The Clinical Leader is responsible for providing clinical leadership and national oversight of the network .
Heidi is a passionate and experienced health professional with a strong clinical, education and leadership background. Her enthusiasm for, and commitment to youth health has focused on improving the outcomes of youth with cancer and chronic health conditions. Previously, Heidi held the position of AYA Cancer Nurse Specialist for Auckland District Health Board. Alongside her AYA clinical leadership role she holds a youth health academic position at the University of Auckland.
Cristal Salatas is the Research & Data Lead for the AYA Cancer Network. She is also a PhD candidate at the University of Auckland, specialising in Perinatal Sciences. Her research utilises Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to analyse the spatial, nutritional, environmental, and socioeconomic determinants of preterm birth risk across New Zealand. Cristal’s research bridges spatial epidemiology, GeoAI-driven risk modelling, and public health policy, ensuring that geospatial insights translate into actionable healthcare solutions.
Cristal has also conducted cancer research at her alma mater (University of Florida), where she developed a successful killing assay for glioblastoma multiforme. Now, she will build on that foundation by leading research and data efforts to support adolescents and young adults facing cancer across Aotearoa.
