Media Advisory: UH Cancer Center receives prestigious full five-year NCI designation with best score

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Contact:
Esme M. Infante, (808) 749-1386
Communications Director, UH Cancer Center
Posted: Oct 4, 2024

EMBARGOED FOR MONDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2024

WHAT: A news conference announcing the renewal of the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center as a federal National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center, with its best score in a decade — signifying the highest standard of scientific rigor and the centerʻs impact on the community and its patients.

WHEN: Monday, October 7, 2024, 10–11:00 a.m.

WHERE: Sullivan Conference Center, UH Cancer Center (701 Ilalo St.)

Free street parking on and near Ilalo Street is available.

PROGRAM: 
Hawaiian Protocol Opening

Hula Welcome

  • Wahine Hula Akala (breast cancer survivors)

Speakers

  • Josh Green, Governor
  • Naoto T. Ueno, UH Cancer Center Director
  • Michael Bruno, UH Manoa Provost
  • U.S. Rep. Ed Case
  • U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda 
  • Darlena Chadwick, EVP, COO The Queen's Health Systems 
  • Susan Hirano, breast cancer patient and patient advocate

Media Q&A

Tour of UH Cancer Center

ADDITIONAL DETAILS:

  • The UH Cancer Centerʻs NCI designation places it among only 72 cancer centers in the nation, and in the top 4% of all U.S. cancer centers, reaffirming the UH Cancer Center as a leader in cancer research and treatment.
  • The UH Cancer Center’s focus on research, education, patient care, and community outreach is unique because of its emphasis on the diverse and unique ethnic, cultural, and environmental characteristics of Hawaiʻi and the Pacific. 
  • The UH Cancer Center adds more than $57 million to the Oʻahu economy through scientific research, clinical trials, and numerous other activities, plus a larger economic impact. The UH Cancer Center is located in Kaka‘ako and employs more than 300 faculty and staff.
  • The center’s Hoʻōla Early Phase Clinical Research Center is set to open late next year and will provide innovative Phase 1 cancer treatments that have not been previously available in Hawaiʻi and the Pacific. For the first time in history, cancer patients will have the opportunity to stay in Hawaii to receive these cutting edge treatments instead of making expensive trips to the mainland for them. They can remain at home, surrounded by aloha and family, which are crucial for healing.