Cancer in the Territory of Guam

Abstract

The purpose of this study, funded by the National Cancer Institute, was to assess cancer awareness and service needs in Guam. Guam maintains a cancer registry, and data suggest that cancer is the second-leading cause of death in Guam. A chapter of the American Cancer Society has been established on the island. Although basic cancer diagnosis and treatment services can be provided on Guam, many cancer patients must travel to Hawai'i, the U.S. continent, or to Asian countries to seek more advanced medical care. This places a severe strain on the island's limited financial resources that, in turn, affects all aspects of health care for the people of Guam. Key informants identified a number of cancer-related service needs, and an action plan was developed based on five priority areas: 1) increasing the capacity of cancer prevention and control staff; 2) increasing public awareness of cancer risk factors; 3) expanding the capacity of the Guam Cancer Registry; 4) establishing a Cancer Prevention and Control Advisory Board for the Territory; and 5) improving early detection and screening for priority cancers.