In observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center will host its first-ever breast cancer community event, “ʻOhana Pink.”
The free event will be held on October 6, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Sullivan Conference Center and lanai in Kakaʻako, bringing together patients, nonprofits and medical experts to connect, learn and support each other in the fight against breast cancer. Register to attend the event in-person or online.
“This event is the result of listening to the needs of patients and learning they are interested in learning about breast cancer research opportunities and ways to give back during their cancer journey,” said Jami Fukui, a UH Cancer Center researcher and clinician. Fukui will present on current and upcoming breast cancer clinical trials being conducted at the center.
“Our goal is to build and strengthen connections within the breast cancer community,” she said. “We wanted to bring everyone together to talk story, exchange experiences, and share our latest research findings. Whether participating in person or online, we hope everyone who attends knows they are not alone in their cancer journey.”
Naoto T. Ueno, director of the UH Cancer Center, an expert in inflammatory breast cancer and two-time cancer survivor, will also speak at the event. “The UH Cancer Center has made progress in breast cancer research largely because of patients who have participated in our studies. We couldn’t do our research without their support,” Ueno said. “It’s an opportunity for us to say mahalo to all of our patient-participants.”
Patient experiences, community groups, more
The event will include exhibits from organizations like the American Cancer Society, Susan G. Komen, and The Queen’s Medical Center, as well as a special hula presentation highlighting UH Cancer Center research on how hula improves physical activity and emotional well-being for breast cancer survivors.
“This is a great opportunity to let patients and their families know about the treatment options available to them,” said Susan Hirano, a stage 4 breast cancer patient who will share her story at the event. “Having more clinical trials available in Hawaiʻi provides hope and the ability to remain here on the islands with our support system.”
