Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community bannerThe Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community

Past Events - Archive

Healing Through Art

SATURDAY, JULY 18, 2026

A free public workshop that explored a variety of therapeutic modalities, such as visual art, music, and haiku reflection/meditation, featuring practitioners from varied cultural communities.

Research has consistently demonstrated that art therapy can significantly improve the quality of life of cancer patients/survivors/thrivers and caregivers by reducing anxiety, depression and distress. It can strengthen self expression, help with symptom management, and aid in processing the complex emotions surrounding cancer diagnosis and treatment.

How Clinical Trials Save Lives

SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2026

Learn about clinical research, why participation matters, and how you can influence future studies; and hear personal stories from patients and caregivers. Our speakers also provided an overview of our groundbreaking new Hoʻōla Early Phase Clinical Research Center. For the first time in history, Hawaiʻi patients will have the opportunity to participate in pioneering cancer trials close to home.

Caring for Caregivers

SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2026

An interactive workshop designed to acknowledge and empower caregivers while building a supportive community. Event attendees learned about caregiver research done at the UH Cancer Center, shared self-care tips, practiced ways to express and process emotions safely, and facilitated separate sessions for caregivers and patients, survivors and thrivers to foster open, supportive dialogue.

Diet and Nutrition for the Cancer Journey

ohana pink bannerSATURDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2025

Discover how diet and nutrition play a vital role in supporting all cancer patients. Learn from nationally recognized researchers at the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center and community partners who are at the forefront of innovative studies aimed at improving patient care and outcomes. Let’s eat healthfully!

Lūʻau Stew Recipe

Event Posters

  1. Cancer Cachexia
  2. A Study to Develop a Treatment for Cancer Cachexia
  3. Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency - EPI
  4. Healthy Eating Index and Biological Aging in Individuals who Smoke or have Smoked
  5. How Can I Lower My Risk of Breast Cancer With Nutrition
  6. Myth Busters Nutrition and Breast Cancer
  7. The Healthy Diet and Lifestyle Study 2
  8. USDA Healthy Mediterranean Style Dietary Pattern Breast Cancer Prevention Treatment and Survivorship

Mindfulness and Meditation

SATURDAY, JULY 26, 2025

Mindfulness, or bringing awareness to the present moment without judgment, has been shown to offer significant benefits. Explore the science behind mindfulness and mindfulness meditation as well as some benefits for individuals diagnosed with cancer. Event attendees also had the opportunity to experience two guided practice sessions.

Patient Empowerment

SATURDAY, APRIL 5, 2025

An inspiring and supportive event designed for cancer patients, survivors, thrivers and caregivers to become empowered and gain greater control during their cancer journeys.