Leading the Cancer Research Centers were Co-Principal Investigators Dr. Helen Whippy, UOG senior vice president, and Dr. Carl-Wilhelm Vogel of the University of Hawaii Cancer Center.
Cancer, aside from diabetes, is one of the leading non-communicable diseases afflicting Pacific island communities.
On Guam, the statistics are alarming. According to Whippy’s presentation, three people on Guam pass away each week due to cancer. On average, someone on Guam is diagnosed with cancer almost every day.
Data provided by the Guam Cancer Research Center show that Guam males have a higher incidence and mortality rate compared to Guam females.
Additionally, there is a stark disparity between males on Guam and those in the U.S. While the incidence and mortality rate of cancer happens to be going down among U.S. males, it is increasing with Guam males.
Furthermore, the highest mortality site for both genders is lung cancer. Cancer among island populations are linked to lifestyle risks, such as smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, poor nutrition, and betelnut chewing.
