DIRECTOR ’ S MESSAGE
2020 has been a challenging year for all of us . The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the University of Hawai ‘ i Cancer Center , on cancer patients , and individuals at risk for cancer across the State of Hawai ‘ i . Despite the challenges , we have pushed forward with research aimed at reducing the burden of cancer for the people of Hawai ‘ i and the Pacific .
As outlined in this report , UH Cancer Center researchers have continued to make seminal discoveries in the areas of cancer biology , epidemiology , and cancer prevention and treatment . Our work focuses on our unique populations , with outreach to rural neighbor islands and across the U . S . Affiliated Pacific Islands with renewal of the Pacific Island Partnership for Cancer Health Equity . The pandemic presented huge challenges for clinical and community-based research , and in response we have developed new methods in order to provide opportunities to participate in novel treatment , screening , prevention , and cancer care delivery trials sponsored by the Cancer Center . In addition , we initiated new areas of research to examine the impact of the pandemic
specifically on cancer patients . This report also highlights how we have dramatically increased opportunities for cancer education for undergraduates , graduate students , postdoctoral trainees , and aspiring clinical research professionals with funding for new initiatives derived from UH Mānoa and the National Institutes of Health .
All of the UH Cancer Center faculty and staff continue to strive to reach the highest summit , kūlia i ka nu ‘ u , and we look forward to building on this year ’ s achievements as we enter a new year . 2021 will mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the UH Cancer Center and the 25th anniversary of continuous recognition as one of only 71 National Cancer Institute-designated centers in the U . S . It is with great anticipation that I look forward to continued successes , discoveries , and profound community impact over this next year .
Mahalo !
RANDALL F . HOLCOMBE , MD , MBA DIRECTOR