Komen Hawaii Affiliate | Facts & Resources

The rate of new cases, or incidence of breast cancer, has increased overall in Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. When Asian women migrate to the U.S., their risk of developing breast cancer increases up to six-fold. Asian immigrant women living in the U.S. for as little as a decade have an 80 percent higher risk of breast cancer than new immigrants.

Survival rates for breast cancer patients

are calculated by determining the
percentage of patients who are alive five years after the time of their diagnosis. The five year survival rate for African American women is 76 percent, compared to 90 percent for white women. The five-year breast cancer survival rate for American Indian women is lower than that of any other ethnic and racial group in the U.S. Even though white women have a higher rate of developing breast cancer, African American women are more likely to die from breast cancer. Pacific Islander women are the least likely to die from breast cancer. Some ethnic and racial groups have been less likely to receive breast cancer screening, and thus their breast cancers are often diagnosed at later stages. This later diagnosis increases the chance of dying from breast cancer.

Although recent statistics are encouraging, an estimated 182,460 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in American women in 2008 alone. The American Cancer Society estimates that the current rate of invasive breast cancer is 124 per 100,000 women in Hawaii. Hawaii’s female population was 642,749 in 2006 indicating that over 800 women could be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer this year alone.

Factors that Increase Breast Cancer Risk

Being female
Getting Older
Inherited genetic mutations
Carcinoma in situ
Family history of breast, ovarian or prostate cancer
High breast density on a mammogram
Radiation exposure in youth
Benign breast disease (hyperplasia)
High levels of estrogen in the blood
Personal history of breast cancer
Menopause at age 55 or older
Not having children or having first child after age 30
High bone density
Overweight / weight gain
High socioeconomic status
Ashkenazi Jewish heritage
Drinking alcohol
Lack of exercise
Postmenopausal hormone use
First period before age 12
Current or recent use of birth control pills
Being tall
Not breastfeeding

More Breast Cancer Information at the National Susan G. Komen for the Cure® web site.

Komen Online Breast Self Exam - this audio / visual resource teaches individuals how to look and feel for any breast changes.

Support Groups, Resources, and Breast Cancer organizations and websites
Local, Statewide, and National

Local Support Groups for Breast Cancer Patients

O`ahu

Honolulu Breast Cancer Support Group

Facilitators:	Denise Nakayama, Fairlene Aladieff, and Nina Rappeline
When:	1st Saturday of each month from 9:30 to 11:30 am
Place:	United Church of Christ, 467 Judd Street
Contact:	Nina Rappeline 285-5622

Kuakini Breast Cancer Education and Support Group

Facilitator:	Lori Kaneshige
When:	Last Wednesday of the month - 9:30 am to 11:00 am.
Place:	Kuakini Health System, HPM-1 Conference Room 347 North Kuakini Street
Contact:	Education Services - 547-9562

Pali Momi Hospital - Hui Malama Kako'o

Facilitator:	A social worker, nurse, and psychologist
When:	Every Thursday - 5:30 pm
Place:	Pali Momi Hospital Physician’s Dining Room (right of Dining Room)
Contact:	Charlene Bell - 486-5502

Windward O`ahu Breast Cancer Support Group

When:	1st Thursday of each month - 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Place:	Castle Medical Center Wellness Center
Contact:	Beth - 263-5440 or www.castlemed.org

Women's Health Center at The Queen's Medical Center - Breast Cancer Support Group

Facilitator:	Dr. Patty Avila, Medical Director, WHC
When:	1st Monday of each month – 6:15 pm to 7:15 pm
Place:	The Queen’s Medical Center Women’s Health Center 1301 Punchbowl Street
Contact:	585-5330

Mau`i

MAU`I Breast Cancer Support Group

When:	Last Thursday of each month – 5:30 pm
Place:	Maui Adult Care Center
Contact:	Marita Somerville - 874-0334

Kaua`i

Cancer & Lymphedema Self-Help Group

When:	3rd Wednesday of each month - 6:30 pm
Place:	Borders Books & Music Maui in Lihu`e
Contact:	Dolly Kikuchi - 808-742-1840 or Bob Hansen - 808-822-3011

Big Island

West Hawaii - (Kona and surrounding areas)

When:	Last Tuesday of each month – 7 pm
Place:	Teshima's Restaurant 79-7251 Mamalahoa Hwy, Kealakekua
Contact:	Fumi – 808 322-9140

East Hawaii - (Hilo & surrounding areas)

When:	4th Thursday of each month – 5:30 pm
Place:	Hilo Medical Center Conference Room 1190 Waianuenue Ave, Hilo
Contact:	808 935-9763

Statewide Resources for Breast Cancer Patients

Hawaii Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program (HBCCCP)
The HBCCCP provides screening and diagnostic services for breast and cervical cancers for women 40-64 years of age who are under-insured and need financial assistance. The program offers free services to qualifying women including cancer information and education, clinical breast examinations, mammograms, pelvic exams, and Pap tests. The goal of the statewide program is to increase awareness and early detection for breast and cervical cancers, and to reduce the number of deaths due to those cancers among medically underserved populations of Hawai`i.

Eligibilty Requirements:
Women 40 and older
Falls below 250% of the Federal Poverty Guidlines for the State Of Hawai`i
No health insurance, or no coverage for screening services for breast and/or cervical cancer (Pap test, Mammogram, etc.)

BCCCP Service Providers:

HAWAI`I
Bay Clinic, Inc. - 969-1427
West Hawai`i - 331-2632
Hamakua HC - 775-7204

KAUA`I
Kaua`i Breast & Cervical Cancer Control Project - 245-7767

MAUI
Hui No Ke Ola Pono - 249-0104

OAHU
Kapi`olani Women's Medical Center - 973-3015
Kokua Kalihi Valley - 848-0976
Koolauloa Health and Wellness Center in Kahuku - 293-9216
Contact person - Margaret Iloa
St. Francis HealthCare Systems of Hawaii - 547-6889
The Queens Women Center - 537-7555
Waimanalo Health Clinic - 259-7948, Ext - 147

Look Good . . . Feel Better
www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org or call 1 800-227-2345
Volunteer provides information to women undergoing cancer treatment to help them look and feel better and be comfortable with the changes in their appearances. This program is offered by licensed cosmetologists and health care professionals.

Pacific Cancer Foundation
227 Mahalani St. Suite 99
Wailuku, HI 96793
808 243-2999
The Pacific Cancer Foundation assists patients and their families by providing access, advocacy and information, which will be beneficial in dealing with their disease. The Foundation seeks to provide easy and effective access to various treatment options that are available for cancer patients. The Foundation distills the vast amount of information available on cancer in order to provide a manageable educational resource for patients, their families and healthcare providers wishing to know more about the disease. The Foundation identifies and assists in gaining access to clinical trials and research that may be appropriate for certain patients. The Foundation acts as the liaison among parties involved in these trials. The Foundation will serve as an advocate for patients and their families in order to ensure that they receive the utmost respect and dignity as they face the challenges of their disease. The Foundation provides a resource center that gives personal assistance for those desiring information on the disease. The Foundation supports care that improves the quality-of-life for cancer patients.

Reach to Recovery
1-800-ACS-2345
The American Cancer Society Reach to Recovery program has been helping breast cancer patients (female and male) cope with their breast cancer experience for more than 30 years. This experience begins when someone is faced with the possibility of a breast cancer diagnosis and continues throughout the entire period that breast cancer remains a personal concern.
Reach to Recovery volunteers who are breast cancer survivors give patients and family members an opportunity to express feelings, talk about fears and concerns, and ask questions of someone who is knowledgeable and level-headed. The volunteers offer understanding, support, and hope because they themselves have survived breast cancer and gone on to live normal, productive lives.

Toppers
1-800-227-2345
Work with a trained volunteer to select a wig, along with scarves and/or hats at no charge to the patient, must be registered with the local American Cancer Society Unit office. Call to locate the ACS office nearest you for an appointment.

National Resources for Breast Cancer Patients

American Cancer Society
Resource site for cancer treatment information, new developments, support, and more.
Phone: 1 (800) 227-2345
Internet: www.cancer.org

ASCO - American Society of Clinical Oncology
The world’s leading professional organization representing physicians who treat people with cancer.
Internet: www.asco.org

BreastCancer.Org
Medical information about breast cancer.
www.breastcancer.org

CancerCare, Inc
Nonprofit organization that provides free, professional support services for anyone affected by cancer.
Phone: 1 (800) 813-HOPE (4673)
Internet: www.cancercare.org

CenterWatch Clinical Trials Listing Services
Provides information on clinical trials and specific studies currently being conducted.
Internet: www.centerwatch.com

Consumer Health Information Service
A community service of Hawaii Medical Library.
Internet: www.hml.org

FertileHope
Nonprofit organization dedicated helping patients faced with infertility.
Internet: www.fertilehope.org

Health World Online
Resources in nutrition, fitness, self-care and mind/body approaches to maintaining high-level health and well-being.
Internet: www.healthy.net

Lance Armstrong Foundation - LiveStrong
Provides practical information and tools needed by people with cancer to live life on their own terms.
Internet: www.laf.org

Living Beyond Breast Cancer
Information and support that you need to live well beyond breast cancer.
Internet: www.lbbc.org

National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organizations (NABCO’s)
The Web site can help you locate clinical trials and can link you to the web sites of various organizations which offer breast cancer information.
Internet: www.nabco.org

National Cancer Institute
Call the Cancer Information Service of the NCI for referrals to clinical trials, medical centers, and information about all aspects of cancer care.
Phone: 1 (800) 4-CANCER
Internet: www.nci.nih.gov/

National Cancer Institute Cancer Fact Sheet
Provides an index of all the national cancer institute cancer fact sheets.
Internet: www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheethtm

National Cancer Institute's Cancer Survivorship Research
Conducts and supports research that both examines and addresses the long- and short-term physical, psychological, social, and economic effects of cancer and its treatment among pediatric and adult survivors of cancer and their families.
Internet: www.survivorship.cancer.gov

National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion - Cancer Survivorship
The mission and overarching goal of CDC's survivorship efforts is to create and implement, along with partners, successful strategies to help the millions of people who live with, through, and beyond cancer.
Internet: www.cdc.gov/cancer/survivorship/index.htm

National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship
Provides a network of resources, regional and national meetings, public analysis and advocacy.
Phone: (301) 650-9127 or (877) NCCS-YES (877-622-7937)
Internet: www.canceradvocacy.org/

National Family Caregivers Association
Supports, empowers, educates, and speaks up for the more than 50 million Americans who care for a chronically ill, aged, or disabled loved one.
Phone: (301) 942-6430
Internet: www.nfcacares.org/

National Lymphedema Network
Provides up-to-date medical treatment information, quarterly newsletter, referral, educational information, support group referrals, and a nation-wide hotline. Also, offers a stainless steel medical alert bracelet intended for women after breast cancer surgery which carries the following message: Lymphedema Alert: No Blood Pressure – No Needles in this Arm. For more information on these services contact through one of the following:
Phone: (415) 921-1306 or (510) 208-3200
Toll-Free: 1 (800) 541-3259
Email: lymphnet@hooked.net
Internet: www.lymphnet.org

People Living with Cancer
Patient information website of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), is designed to help patients and families make informed health-care decisions.
Internet: www.plwc.org

Planet Cancer
An international network of young adult cancer patients.
Internet: www.planetcancer.org

The National Womens Health Information Center
The Federal Government Source for Women's Health Information
U. S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health.
Phone: 1 (800) 994-9662
Internet: www.womenshealth.gov

University of Pennsylvania Cancer Center
The latest news on cancer treatment, cancer research, oncology advances, and cancer clinical trials.
Internet: www.oncolink.upenn.edu

Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization
Offers information, support, and referrals. Trained breast cancer survivors are matched to callers by background and experience whenever possible.
Phone: (312) 986-8338
Internet: www.networkofstrength.org/
Toll-Free: 1 (800) 221-2141 (English)
1 (800) 986-9505 (Spanish)

Young Survival Coalition
provides information on breast cancer in young women
Phone: (212) 206-6610
Internet: www.youngsurvival.org