Cancer in Kosrae State, Federated States of Micronesia

Abstract

Little is known about the impact of cancer and the extent of cancer-related services in Kosrae. The purpose of this study, funded by the National Cancer Institute, was to document the state of cancer awareness and services in Kosrae and to begin to identify cancer-care needs. Findings suggest that cancer is the eighth-leading cause of death in Kosrae, although a number of factors contribute to a possible undercount of cancer cases. Cancer-related services are limited. A number of needs were identified, and an action plan was developed based on three priority areas: 1) establishing a cancer registry; 2) increasing public awareness about cancer risk, prevention, and detection; and 3) expanding cancer screening and detection programs.