Excitingly Te Aho o Te Kahu have nationally endorsed the newly updated Fertility Preservation for People with Cancer in Aotearoa Guidelines. This is part of a wider project supported by the AYA Cancer Network Aotearoa and has involved input from a group of speciality healthcare professionals and on consumers throughout New Zealand. The guidelines are aimed at healthcare professionals caring for people with cancer under 40 years of age, providing an overview of recommended best practice and a description of available fertility preservation options in New Zealand.
The second phase focuses on implementation, aiming to examine inequities and barriers to fertility preservation within New Zealand. A strong emphasis will also be placed on inclusive and responsive initiatives/ interventions that honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and meet the diverse needs of cancer patients in Aotearoa.
We are looking forward to progressing this next pivotal chapter and will keep our wider healthcare colleagues and consumers updated along the way.
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.
