KAILUA-KONA — The Hawaii Comprehensive Cancer Coalition has announced an initiative to promote better care for cancer patients and survivors on Hawaii Island, and is looking for expert and first-hand input to tailor future treatment strategies.
KAILUA-KONA — The Hawaii Comprehensive Cancer Coalition has announced an initiative to promote better care for cancer patients and survivors on Hawaii Island, and is looking for expert and first-hand input to tailor future treatment strategies.
An event — Journey Together: Helping to Shape Cancer Survivorship Care in Hawaii — is scheduled for Nov. 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Courtyard King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel. Coalition partners involved are the Hawaii Department of Health, the University of Hawaii Cancer Center and the Kona Community Hospital Cancer Center.
The goal of the symposium is to examine successful care strategies already in place while opening up a dialogue on how to improve areas of need for current and former patients in North and West Hawaii. Educational booths will also be set up to provide more in-depth information about health and wellness.
“It’s about care during and after cancer treatment,” said Judy Donovan, regional director of marketing at KCH. “I think some of our biggest gaps right now are just simple ones. Transportation is a big one. Actually being able to receive the service that you need on (this) island is a big one, also. Those are probably the biggest two.”
The event will be free to cancer patients, survivors, caregivers and health professionals involved with various aspects of cancer treatment. It will also serve as a networking venue to connect people dealing with similar, cancer-related issues from across the island and open up opportunities for communication.
Dr. Nathan Tomita, a Kailua-Kona surgeon connected to KCH, will be the keynote speaker at the event, which is being held on Hawaii Island for the first time.
The day will also include a panel discussion, small group sessions between event participants and a “brown bag” medication review from KCH pharmacists to help patients form clearer understandings of their medications and possibly to make recommended changes to medication regimens.
Those interested in more information or those who wish to register may call Christina Teel at the DOH at (808) 692-7449 or Sanoe Kauhane at the KCH Cancer Center at 808-345-3486.
Registration can also be completed online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JourneyTogetherHI.