Biomarker testing, pancreatic cancer research could help extend lives of Hawaiʻi cancer patients

A new report revealed 9,000 residents in Hawaiʻi will be diagnosed with cancer, with more than 2,000 residents expected to die from the disease, according to the American Cancer Society . Projections in 2025 mark an uptick in cases, but a decline in deaths compared to 2024.

The report highlights and presents an opportunity for Hawaiʻi State Lawmakers to work with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network to support cancer prevention, treatment, and access to care during the 2025 legislative session. released last week shows cancer diagnosis are now higher in women compared to men, revealing a shift in the burden of the disease.

According to the 2025 Cancer Facts and Figures report, cancer incidence have generally declined in men but risen in women, specifically younger women. Rates in women 50-64 years old have already surpassed those in men. Rates in younger women are also 82% higher than their male counterparts.

Biomarker testing is often used to help connect a patient with the right treatment at the right time. After a cancer diagnosis, testing can help extend lives b y matching patients with targeted therapies or ruling out unnecessary or ineffective treatments thereby eliminating potentially life-altering side effects.

According to the Cancer Action Network, insurance coverage is failing to keep pace with innovations and advancements in biomarker testing and treatment. This leaves some patients with the decision of paying for these tests out-of-pocket or going without this information.

As a result, not all people are benefiting from the latest advancements in biomarker testing and precision medicine.

Volunteer advocates with Cancer Action Network including survivors, patients, and caregivers are sharing this new data to help urge legislators to support a soon-to-be introduced bill to increase access to biomarker testing statewide.

“Biomarker testing is an essential step in a patient’s ability to access precision medicine,” said Cynthia Au, director of American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Hawaiʻi Government Relations. “Precision medicine is critical in improving cancer outcomes. We know cancer disproportionately impacts certain communities in Hawaiʻi. It’s crucial we work with lawmakers this session to try to lessen the burden on our people.” 

If passed, legislation would require state-regulated insurance companies and Medicaid to cover biomarker testing for patients who need it when supported by medical and scientific evidence.

In addition to supporting increased access to biomarker testing, the Cancer Action Network will also ask lawmakers to support the following evidence-based policies:

Ensuring Access to Quality Care

• Colorectal Cancer
  • American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network will work to require coverage for colorectal cancer screening for uninsured and underinsured patients
  • Additionally, the organization will strive to ensure patients are not charged for colonoscopies that follow a positive stool-based test.
• Fertility Preservation
  • Some cancer treatments can cause infertility, and as a result, individuals with cancer may choose to preserve their fertility prior to treatment. Failure to preserve fertility is a common regret that may affect survivors’ quality of life.
  • American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network supports legislation that would provide cancer patients with health insurance coverage for fertility preservation consistent with recommended medical guidelines.

Reducing the Toll of Tobacc

• Smoke-free Air
  • Cancer Action Network will defend the statewide smoke-free law against any exemptions.
• Local Control
  • Cancer Action Network supports the authority of local governments to pass local policies that go beyond state laws to help families be healthy, safe and secure.
  • The organization supports repealing tobacco preemption to allow counties the ability to enact ordinances regulating the sale of tobacco products.
• Menthol Cigarettes and All Other Flavored Tobacco Products
  • Cancer Action Network supports legislation to end the sale of menthol cigarettes and all other flavored tobacco products.
  • Comprehensive policies to end the sale of flavored tobacco products must include all tobacco products, all flavors, and all tobacco retailers.

Volunteer advocates plan to meet with state lawmakers regarding the above priorities during Cancer Action Day at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol on Tuesday, March 18th.

For more information about the fight against cancer in Hawaii, visit fightcancer.org/Hawaii.

The University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center has secured a $3.4 million grant from the National Cancer Institute for a new study aimed at improving risk prediction and prevention of pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers in Hawaiʻi and claims an average of 201 lives each year, disproportionately affecting Native Hawaiians

The research is led by Associate Professor Lang Wu and will focus on uncovering the biological causes of pancreatic cancer and developing new tools to predict individual risk. Wu, who also directs the UH Pacific Center for Genome Research, is collaborating with experts nationwide to tackle critical gaps in understanding this highly lethal disease.

“We’ve made progress in understanding pancreatic cancer, but current risk prediction models are not as effective as they could be,” Wu said. “This study will help improve our knowledge of its causes and identify high-risk groups to enhance screening and prevention efforts. This research has the potential to make a real difference.”

The team will identify proteins linked to pancreatic cancer and integrate this data with genetic and lifestyle factors. Using advanced statistical methods, they aim to create and validate predictive models to better assess pancreatic cancer risk. Findings from the study could benefit underserved populations in Hawaiʻi and the Pacific, and diverse populations across the nation.

Pancreatic cancer often remains undetected until its later stages, which contributes to its high mortality rate. Hawaiʻi sees an average of 251 new cases annually, with Native Hawaiians experiencing higher rates of both incidence and mortality compared with other groups in the state. The University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center provides specialized pancreatic cancer care led by Dr. Elizabeth Nakasone at Pali Momi Medical Center.

“By better understanding the disease, we can work toward more effective prevention strategies,” Wu said.

Learn more at UHCancerCenter.org