Nonprofit Organization U . S . Postage PAID Honolulu , Hawaii Permit No . 753
Innovations is a community publication of the University of Hawai ‘ i Cancer Center , produced with support from the Friends of the University of Hawai ‘ i Cancer Center . If you have comments or suggestions , please call 808-586-3010 or visit www . uhcancercenter . org .
Joe W . Ramos , PhD , Interim Director University of Hawai ‘ i Cancer Center
Monica McLaren , President Friends of the University of Hawai ‘ i Cancer Center
Sharon Shigemasa , RN , MS – Editor Paula Higuchi , MSW – Sub-Editor Jena Funakoshi , GA – Contributing Writer Elizabeth Kuioka , BS – Contributing Writer Laura Young , GA – Contributing Writer University of Hawai ‘ i Cancer Center
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Institution
Improving Quality of Life for Colon Cancer Patients and Caregivers
In 2021 , there will be an estimated 150,000 new cases of colorectal cancer diagnosed in the U . S . Colon cancer is the third most common type of cancer in Hawai ‘ i , with an average of 717 new cases diagnosed each year . Caregivers play a vital role in providing supportive care for those diagnosed with cancer . Often people are thrust into the role of caregiver , and may be unprepared to care for a loved one who has been diagnosed with cancer . Will training cancer patients and their caregivers increase skills , enhance care coordination and improve quality of life ? This is a question that Kevin Cassel , DrPH , seeks to answer by conducting a research study , “ Improving Quality of Life for Colon Cancer Patients and their Caregivers .”
This study is currently recruiting 60 recently diagnosed colon cancer patients and their caregivers , who may be a family member or close friend . Study participants will receive a computer tablet preloaded with a training curriculum consisting of nine modules . Experts in oncology , patient navigation , advocacy , clinical trials , supportive care , care coordination , cost management , and resource allocation present information in a Technology , Entertainments and Design Talks or TED Talks , a short-talk
8 format , averaging 10 to 18 minutes . These educational modules will be rolled out weekly over three months .
This study is one of the first to examine the role of training patients and their caregivers to improve patients ’ and caregivers ’ quality of life , while supporting care management of cancer patients . “ We are very fortunate to extend the research initiated by Dr . Noreen Mokuau by updating the methods to find ways to provide support for cancer patients and families ,” stated Dr . Cassel .
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS STUDY , CONTACT THE PROJECT MANAGER , NATALIA LUKEY AT ( 808 ) 564-3808 OR NLukey @ cc . hawaii . edu .