Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 31, Number 6, 1 June 2014 — Colon concer screening [ARTICLE]

Colon concer screening

The HMSA Foundation has awarded $68,300 to the University of Hawai'i Cancer Center to promote eolon cancer screening for Native Hawaiian men, who suffer from the highest death rates from eolon cancer compared to other ethnicities. The high mortality rate is attributed to getting diagnosed at a later stage, when the cancer is more advanced. "Early and regular screening for precancerous eolon lesions ean prevent nearly 90 percent of eolon cancers," a news release said. "However, Native Hawaiian men have limited access to screening and are not as likely as other ethnic groups to be screened for eolon cancer." Funding will support a program incorporating established eommu-nity-based and culturally relevant discussion groups. Participants will also be trained to lead groups and educate other Native Hawaiian men on the benefits of self-administered eolon cancer tests. The aim of peerled support networks is to create a lasting discussion on heahh and social-welfare issues among Native Hawaiian men, the release said. Nationally, eolon cancer is the second-deadliest cancer, killing 60,000 people annually.