Cushla Lucas is a Regional Manager for Te Aho o Te Kahu, the Cancer Control Agency in Aotearoa New Zealand. The Agency’s mandate to lead and unite efforts to deliver better cancer outcomes is reflected in its name which means the central thread (Te Aho) of the cloak (Te Kahu). This recognises that it is only when there are united and aligned efforts, across all strands of the cancer continuum wrapped together as a protective cloak around those with cancer, that is the key to improving outcomes.

Cushla has worked in health for over 30 years, in both clinical practice and leadership. Prior to joining Te Aho o Te Kahu in November 2020 she was the Operations Executive for a Regional Cancer Treatment Service in the lower North Island. Recently Cushla has led, alongside Dr Humphrey Pullon and Dr Myra Ruka, the development of a national model of care for transplant and cellular therapy, as well as commencing a multisector programme of work for the introduction of CART in Aotearoa.