There was a lot to cheer about along Kakaʻako Park as legislators and community leaders got an up-close look at the work of the doctors and researchers at the UH Cancer Center and the strategies they have in place to face future challenges.
“Having this cancer center has an impact on policy, education and conduct of clinical trials,” UHCC Director Dr. Naoto Ueno told KHON2.
By the end of the year, the cancer center will be offering expanded services through a collaboration with the Queenʻs Medical Center, which will lease the Ewa third and fourth floors for treatment options to cancer patients in the islands and the Pacific.
“I can trust what they tell me because they know. I donʻt have to second guess what my oncologist is saying because I donʻt trust in their education or where they did their fellowship or how much experience they have in oncology. With my rare form of cancer I want to know that that doctor has seen it before or knows to go to other people,” UHCC patient Susa Hirano told KHON2.
But challenges loom as up to 80% of the facilityʻs research funding comes form federal grants. While the proposed cuts to medical research are being battled in Washington.
Dr. Ueno said the center is prepared.
“So, yes, the totality there will be a loss and there will be a need to working with our parent, the UH system, as well as state legislators and community. Of course this is fundraising. If there is any way to help in research that would be helpful.”
Helpful to patients who rely on the UH Cancer Center for comprehensive care.
“The quality of the care, of the doctors and researchers is bar none,” Hirano told KHON2.