HONOLULU – A new report from the American Cancer Society (ACS) released Thursday shows cancer diagnosis are now higher in women compared to men, revealing a shift in the burden of the disease. The report highlights and presents an opportunity for Hawaii State Lawmakers to work with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) to support cancer prevention, treatment, and access to care during the 2025 legislative session.
According to the 2025 Cancer Facts and Figures report, cancer incidence have generally declined in men but risen in women, specifically younger women. Rates in women 50-64 years old have already surpassed those in men. Rates in younger women are also 82% higher than their male counterparts. Notably, lung cancer incidence in women under 65 years of age surpassed men for the first time, due in part to historical patterns in smoking uptake and smoking cessation. Incidence rates continue to climb for common cancers, as well, including breast, prostate, pancreatic, uterine corpus, melanoma, liver, and oral cancers associated with HPV.
In 2025, more than 9,000 residents in Hawaii will be diagnosed with cancer, with more than 2,000 residents expected to die from the disease. Projections in 2025 mark an uptick in cases, but a decline in deaths compared to 2024.
Volunteer advocates with ACS CAN including survivors, patients, and caregivers are sharing this new data to help urge legislators to support a soon-to-be introduced bill to increase access to biomarker testing statewide.
Biomarker testing is often used to help connect a patient with the right treatment at the right time. After a cancer diagnosis, testing can help extend lives by matching patients with targeted therapies or ruling out unnecessary or ineffective treatments thereby eliminating potentially life-altering side effects.
Despite the enormous benefits, insurance coverage is failing to keep pace with innovations and advancements in biomarker testing and treatment. This leaves some patients with the decision of paying for these tests out-of-pocket or going without this information. As a result, not all people are benefiting from the latest advancements in biomarker testing and precision medicine.
“Biomarker testing is an essential step in a patient’s ability to access precision medicine,” said Cynthia Au, ACS CAN Hawaii Government Relations Director. “Because insurance companies are failing to keep pace, some Hawaii residents are missing out on the latest advancements in treatment. Precision medicine is critical in improving cancer outcomes. We know cancer disproportionately impacts certain communities in Hawaii. It’s crucial we work with lawmakers this session to try to lessen the burden on our people.”
If passed, legislation would require state-regulated insurance companies and Medicaid to cover biomarker testing for patients who need it when supported by medical and scientific evidence.
In addition to supporting increased access to biomarker testing, ACS CAN will also ask lawmakers to support the following evidence-based policies:
Ensuring Access to Quality Care
• Colorectal Cancer: ACS CAN will work to require coverage for colorectal cancer screening for uninsured and underinsured patients. Additionally, the organization will strive to ensure patients are not charged for colonoscopies that follow a positive stool-based test.
• Fertility Preservation: Some cancer treatments can cause infertility, and as a result, individuals with cancer may choose to preserve their fertility prior to treatment. Failure to preserve fertility is a common regret that may affect survivors’ quality of life. ACS CAN supports legislation that would provide cancer patients with health insurance coverage for fertility preservation consistent with recommended medical guidelines.
Reducing the Toll of Tobacco
• Smoke-free Air: ACS CAN will defend the statewide smoke-free law against any exemptions.
• Local Control: ACS CAN supports the authority of local governments to pass local policies that go beyond state laws to help families be healthy, safe and secure. The organization supports repealing tobacco preemption to allow counties the ability to enact ordinances regulating the sale of tobacco products.
• Menthol Cigarettes and All Other Flavored Tobacco Products: ACS CAN supports legislation to end the sale of menthol cigarettes and all other flavored tobacco products. Comprehensive policies to end the sale of flavored tobacco products must include all tobacco products, all flavors, and all tobacco retailers.
Lawmakers make many decisions that impact the lives of Hawaiians impacted by cancer and their leadership is vital to defeating this disease. Volunteer advocates plan to meet with state lawmakers regarding the above priorities during Cancer Action Day happening at the Hawaii state capitol on Tuesday, March 18th.
