UH Manoa Social Work researcher receives grant for breast cancer project

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
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Posted: Aug 8, 2008

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa School of Social Work professor Noreen Mokuau was awarded $300,000 from the Susan G. Komen for the Cure organization to conduct research over the next two years on coping and recovery of Native Hawaiian women with breast cancer.



The research project, titled Kū Me Ka ʻOhana (Stand Tall with Family), explores the feasibility of a culturally-tailored intervention to enhance coping and recovery care by building family support for Native Hawaiian women with breast cancer.



For Native Hawaiians, a population with high mortality rates and lower survival rates from breast cancer when compared with other U.S. populations, the family is a natural setting in which to build support. Yet there is limited research on the role of the family as a primary social support for Native Hawaiian women.



The project is seeking Native Hawaiian women residing on Oʻahu who have been diagnosed with stage 1-3a breast cancer in the last four years and who have one family member who can participate with them in the study. The results of the study can inform providers on ways to help Native Hawaiian families deal with breast cancer in the future.



Community support comes from organizations such as the Cancer Information Service, ʻImi Hale, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Queen‘s Medical Center and the Straub Clinic and Hospital.



E kolo ana no ke çwe i ke çwe.



Of the same origin, kinfolk will seek and love each other (Pukui, 1983).





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