With Friday marking the end of the legislative session in Hawai’i, cancer survivors, patients, and advocates with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) commend the state legislature for committing to health equity by passing a bill that enables researchers to study why cancer disproportionately impacts Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, and Asian Americans including Filipinos in Hawai’i.
If House Bill 1300 is signed into law by Governor Josh Green, $1 million will be funded to the University of Hawai’i Cancer Center over the next two years for researchers to study cancer disparities in the state. With uncertainty surrounding funding for cancer research across the country, ACS CAN celebrates state lawmakers for recognizing the importance of sustaining and expanding such research in Hawai’i. In March, volunteer advocates with ACS CAN met with state lawmakers during ‘Cancer Action Day’ at the state capitol and urged them to support funding the study as well as other public policies to aid in the fight against cancer.
“As a researcher I’m encouraged by the actions taken by state legislators,” said Dr. Lani Park, researcher at the University of Hawaii Cancer Center. “This bill will help me, and my colleagues understand the factors that influence cancer risk and disparities among populations in Hawai’i. We need this information to develop strategies for prevention and inform future generations on steps they can take to reduce their cancer risk.”
Cancer incidence and mortality rates have decreased in Hawaii over the last decade, but despite this overall reduction, the disparities between ethnic populations continue to be of concern.
Cancer is the leading cause of death among Asian Americans and the second-leading cause among Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islander individuals, after heart disease. Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders also have one of the highest incidence rates of breast, lung, colorectal, cervical, pancreatic, gastric, and liver cancers among all racial and ethnic populations in the United States.
ACS CAN believes all people should have equitable access to quality cancer care and an equal opportunity to live a healthy life. However, cancer does not impact everyone equally. Conducting this study is vital in creating strategies and policies that promote health equity in the state.
“Today marks a step in reducing the cancer burden for future generations in Hawai’i,” said Cynthia Au, ACS CAN Hawai’i Government Relations Director. “The information we uncover from this research will help us learn why certain communities are impacted by cancer more than others. Our team of volunteer advocates have worked tirelessly since 2023 asking the state legislature to fund this study. I hope Gov. Green will carry this bill across the finish line so researchers can begin their work soon.”
The University of Hawaii Cancer Center is uniquely positioned to conduct this study. The center is one of 72 research organizations in the U.S. designated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the only center in the Hawai’i Pacific region. Findings from the study could also further help the center with receiving future research grants.