Kona conference hosts top breast cancer experts, conducts outreach
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Link to video and sound (details below): https://go.hawaii.edu/XEQ
WHAT: The University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center hosted the 10th International Breast Density and Cancer Risk Assessment Workshop–organized and co-chaired by University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center researcher John Shepherd, PhD, who is known for his work in quantitative imaging, particularly biomarkers from medical imaging using advanced machine learning techniques. The conference brought together breast cancer researchers, clinicians and community advocates interested in risk factors from breast imaging and risk modeling.
Yesterday, June 8, the community was invited to attend a free Open Session. Those who attended were cancer advocates, survivors, and patients. They got a chance to view the presentations, meet the researchers, and ask questions.
WHEN: June 7-9, 2023
WHO: Over 100 attendees from 13 different countries and across the U.S. The Kona community attended the Open Session on June 8, among them were cancer survivors, advocates, and providers.
WHERE: Marriott King Kamehameha Hotel in Kailua-Kona
WHY: The goal was to explore new and important information relating to breast cancer risk factors and the biology of breast density. It was also an opportunity to share this technology and emerging research with the cancer community in Kailua-Kona.
OTHER FACTS:
- Hawaiʻi has a high incidence of breast cancer and it is often caught in late stages which makes it more complicated for their treatment. An average of 155 women die annually in the state because of the disease.
- According to the National Cancer Institute, women with dense breasts have a higher risk of breast cancer and have an increased risk that cancer won't be detected on a mammogram. Because of this, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently updated the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) to require mammography facilities to inform women about the density of their breasts.
VIDEO BROLL: TRT 1:48
Various shots of conference activities and attendees
SOUNDBITES:
John Shepherd, Co-Organizer and UH Cancer Center Chief Scientific Officer
(.25) “Hawaii and the rest of the Pacific Island Affiliates have challenges in terms of advanced stage cancer and also in outreach, so I think this conference educates us on how to incorporate novel techniques, novel modeling methods to be able to address that.”
Jenifer Gorton, Breast Cancer Survivor and Advocate
(.15) “I am an 8-year cancer survivor, I looked at the program and I felt like there was a lot of information that I havenʻt had access to over the years and I’ve learned a lot about breast cancer treatments and research that will impact me in the years to come.”
(.17) “Here in Kona we are pretty isolated in terms of what we have for screenings and treatments. Many of us have to go to Oʻahu for our testing and for follow up. I think the more we get available on the island, the more we’ll be able to screen more people and be diagnosed earlier.”