Cancer needs assessment in a Hawaiian Homes community

Research shows that Native Hawaiians tend to be diagnosed with late-stage cancers and have lower screening rates than other ethnic groups in Hawai'i, contributing to their higher cancer mortality rates. To address this health disparity, Ke Ola Mamo, the Native Hawaiian Health Care System on O'ahu, conducted a cancer needs assessment in the Waimanalo Hawaiian Homes community (WHHC).

In 2006 Ke Ola Mamo formed a CBPR partnership with one academic and three community-based organizations to conduct a door-to-door cancer assessment survey in the WHHC. The partners created a data collection protocol that combined traditional Native Hawaiian information gathering methods and standard random sampling methods. A total of 449 homes were accessed and 187 residents completed the assessment. The findings were shared with WHHC residents in focus groups for validation and to help inform future interventions.

Residents reported a high incidence of health insurance, good cancer knowledge and attitudes, and current screening. The low incidence of dental insurance and high smoking rates, however, indicate two areas of need. Free screening events and lifestyle type interventions received the most endorsement from residents and will be the focus of future interventions.

While access to health care continues to be problematic for this community, increased awareness of resources and tailored interventions that address specific community concerns should improve community health. Data from this assessment will increase the limited information available regarding Hawaiian Homes residents and enable Ke Ola Mamo to provide appropriate interventions that address cancer disparities in the greater Native Hawaiian population.