The Hawaii Department of Health announced on Apr. 2 the launch of its ‘Get Screened Hawai‘i’ campaign, urging adults aged 45 and above to undergo colorectal cancer screening. The department said that colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in people under age 50, but early detection can make it highly treatable.
Colorectal cancer remains a significant health concern in Hawaii, ranking as the third leading cause of cancer death among men and fourth among women. Data from the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center’s Tumor Registry show about 700 residents are diagnosed with colon cancer annually, with approximately 225 deaths each year.
In a recent statement, Lola Irvin, administrator for the Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Division at DOH, said: “Now is the time to catch up on cancer screenings. Postponing screening visits may delay life-saving treatment. If you are 45 or older, call your healthcare provider to schedule the colon cancer screening test that is right for you.”
The department reports that about 70% of Hawaii adults between ages 45 and 75 completed a colon cancer screening in 2024; however, participation rates are lower among younger adults within this group. Screening options include at-home stool tests, CT scans using x-ray imaging of the colon, and colonoscopies—which can detect as well as prevent disease by removing pre-cancerous polyps.
“When I meet with patients, I go over their risk factors and discuss the most appropriate screening test for them,” said Dr. Ankur Jain. “The best test is the one that gets done.” Jain serves as a gastroenterologist and member of the Hawai‘i Comprehensive Cancer Coalition Steering Committee.
The ‘Get Screened Hawai‘i’ campaign began in March during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and will continue through June across television, radio, digital platforms, social media channels, print publications and shopping malls.
Residents can visit GetScreened.hawaii.gov for more information about colon cancer risks and available testing methods.
The Hawaii State Department of Health contributes to community well-being by promoting health education on vaccination and disease outbreaks through its Disease Outbreak Control Division according to its official website. The agency aims to safeguard health conditions statewide through efforts in disease prevention, health promotion and environmental protection per its official website. The department operates under a director supported by deputy directors who manage key programs as noted on its official website, extending services throughout multiple islands via local offices as outlined online. Its Office of Public Health Preparedness coordinates planning for disasters or epidemics as detailed online, while overall it functions as a public health agency delivering comprehensive services across Hawaii according to its official site.
