Research Projects - Cancer

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the US. While we have learned much about lifestyle steps - such as not smoking - that reduce the risk of developing certain cancers, many questions remain. PHRI Investigators hope to answer these questions and offer better diagnoses and treatments.

National Lung Screening Trial (NLST)

PHRI is one of 30 sites in the US comparing the use of chest x-ray and spiral low-radiation-dose computed tomography (CT) to determine the effectiveness of these two screening procedures in reducing the number of deaths due to lung cancer. PHRI has screened and is following some 2,400 current and former smokers 55 to 75 years of age in Hawaii. 100,000 are being screened nationwide.

Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Screening Trial (PLCO)

PHRI, in collaboration with Straub Clinic and Hospital, is one of 10 centers funded nationally to determine the effectiveness of screening for these four types of cancer among individuals age 55 to 75. This study, going on for more than 16 years, is now following 11,000 participants in Hawaii and 156,000 nationwide.

Asian American Network for Cancer Awareness, Research and Training (AANCART) 

The goal of this project is to establish a core organizational infrastructure to support community-based participatory education, research, and training to reduce cancer health disparities among one or more Asian American populations. Efforts currently focus on Hawaii’s Filipino population. The objectives are to develop education and training programs for Asian American community leaders, and to provide outreach to physicians.