HONOLULU, Hawaii – House Bill 1301 aimed to fund a multiethnic cohort study conducted by the University of Hawaii Cancer Center to understand the different factors that contribute to higher incidence and mortality rates in certain cancers among Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders, and Asian communities, including Filipinos in Hawaii.
The following is a statement from Cynthia Au, government relations director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) in Hawaii:
“We are very disappointed that the Legislature missed this opportunity to address cancer disparities for all of Hawaii. We take pride in being the most diverse state in the U.S., but we have a long road ahead to ensure all our communities have a just and fair opportunity to prevent, detect, treat and survive cancer.
“Studying the risk and protective factors that may contribute to the differences in cancer incidence and outcomes we see among Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders and Filipinos is a critical step toward developing strategies and policies that promote health equity.
“While disappointed, our volunteers remain committed to continuing to work with our legislators to move forward policies that will help end cancer as we know it, for everyone.”
