The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #73324

Kathryn Braun, DrPH, JoAnn Tsark, MPH, and Megan L. Fong, BA. `Imi Hale Native Hawaiian Cancer Network, 894 Queen Street, Honolulu, HI 96813, (808) 597-6558, kbraun@hawaii.edu

Native Hawaiians have high rates of cancer mortality. An objective of `Imi Hale—Native Hawaiian Cancer Awareness, Research, and Training Network is to increase cancer awareness and research participation among Native Hawaiians in culturally appropriate ways. `Imi Hale engages Native Hawaiian cancer survivors in defining problems, recommending solutions, gaining skills in research and health education, and participating in research. Survivors lend perspective to issues such as screening, treatment, survivorship, and quality of life. They explain traditional Hawaiian values and practices and reasons behind feelings of alienation and fatalism. They guide researchers in correct cultural protocol. Acknowledgement of and attention to values, traditions, and experiences have increased cancer awareness and research participation among Native Hawaiians.

Learning Objectives:

• 1)Identify contributions Native Hawaiian Cancer Survivors can make to research.
• 2)List cultural issues that affect Native Hawaiian perspectives on cancer and cancer research

Keywords: Native Populations, Cancer

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.