Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 25, Number 11, 1 November 2008 — Breast cancer award [ARTICLE]

Breast cancer award

University of Hawai'i at Mānoa School of Social Work professor Noreen Mokuau has received a $300,000 award from the Susan G. Komen for the Cure to conduct research on the role of the 'ohana in the recovery of Native Hawaiian women diagnosed with breast eancer. The research project, titled Kū Me Ka 'Ohana, or Stand Tall with Family, will examine the feasibility of a culturally based intervention that aims to build on the strengths of 'ohana as a natural support system for Native Hawaiian victims of breast cancer. Studies show that Native Hawaiians have higher mortality rates and lower survival rates from breast cancer when compared with other U.S. populations, yet there is limited research on the role that the Native Hawaiian family may be able to play in helping loved ones to eope with and recover from the disease. Results of the study will be used to inform healthcare providers on ways to help Native Hawaiian families deal with breast cancer in the future. Support for the project has been provided by several coimnunity organizations, including OHA, the Cancer Infonnation Service, 'Imi Hale, Queen's Medical Center and Straub Clinic and Hospital.