he University of Hawai ‘ i Cancer Center successfully competed for renewal of its National Cancer Institute ( NCI ) designation , and has been awarded a $ 6 million Cancer Center Support Grant to fund research at the Cancer Center .
I am extremely pleased that the National Cancer Institute has recognized the unique contributions of the University of Hawai ‘ i Cancer Center , and rewarded the efforts of the incredible faculty and staff by continuing the NCI designation ,” said Randall Holcombe , MD , MBA , UH Cancer Center director . “ For Hawai ‘ i , this means that our families and friends have access to cutting-edge cancer treatments and the highest quality of cancer care .”
The people of Hawai ‘ i are the greatest beneficiaries of NCI designation , which brings research directed toward the cancer problems specific for our diverse ethnic population and access to the most up-to-date approaches for cancer prevention and treatment . The University of Hawai ‘ i Cancer Center is a great resource for the State of Hawai ‘ i . Its discoveries will help improve patient outcomes for people faced with a cancer diagnosis not just in our state , but across the nation ,” said Governor David Y . Ige .
The new Cancer Center Support Grant from the NCI began on July 1 , 2018 . Of more than 1,000 cancer centers across the country , the UH Cancer Center is one of only 70 NCI-designated Cancer Centers in the nation .
The UH Cancer Center was established by the University of Hawai ‘ i at Mānoa in 1981 and achieved NCI designation and funding in 1996 , an honor it has held continuously since that time . NCI-designated Cancer Centers must go through rigorous and competitive renewal of their status every three to five years .
The designation provides opportunities for the UH Cancer Center to continue its mission to reduce the burden of cancer through research , education , patient care and community outreach with an emphasis on the unique ethnic , cultural and environmental characteristics of Hawai ‘ i and the Pacific .
The UH Cancer Center keeps treatment in reach for many people in our state . It is also the only institution in the country researching cancer health disparities in the Native Hawaiian and Asian American communities ,” said Senator Brian Schatz , a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee . “ With this designation , our state will have the resources we need to research , help patients , and fight for a cure .”
The UH Cancer Center continues to serve as a national leader in research , prevention , and education efforts , especially on how cancer affects Asian American , Native Hawaiian , and Pacific Islander populations . As one of only 70 National Cancer Institute-designated cancer centers in the country , the renewal of the NCI designation will enable researchers to continue their important work
4