Project Summary​

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second and third leading cause of cancer death in Hawai‘i and Guam respectively with the highest rates among males and Pacific Peoples (PP) (e.g. CHamoru, Filipinos). Colorectal cancer incidence in Hawai‘i is higher than the U.S. with the highest age-adjusted rates among Filipinos. In Guam, CHamoru have the highest age-adjusted mortality rates from CRC compared to other Asian and Pacific Islander groups. Screening and early detection to address CRC disparities in these populations are critical.

TANICA

Traditional and new lifestyle interventions for breast cancer prevention (TANICA) Individual plus policy systems and environment (I+PSE) Approach: A feasibility and acceptability study

Funding period:
Sept 2022 – Aug 2025

Project Leads:
Tanisha Aflague, PhD., RDN
Monica Esquivel, PhD., RDN, CSSD

Aim 2

Examine the feasibility and acceptability of the TANICA pilot intervention for reducing obesity among female Native Hawaiian, CHamoru and Filipino breast cancer survivors in Guam and Hawai‘i.

Aim 1

Establish and convene a Community Advisory Council (CAC) to identify policy, system, and environmental (PSE) priority areas for reducing obesity among female Native Hawaiian, CHamoru, and Filipino breast cancer survivors in Guam and Hawai‘i.

Publications
  • Aflague TF, Esquivel MK, Hammond K, Delos Reyes B, Kaholokula JK. Traditional and new lifestyle interventions to prevent breast cancer recurrence (TANICA): a qualitative study. Support Care Cancer. 2023;31(4):218. Epub 20230317. doi: 10.1007/s00520-023-07663-0. PubMed PMID: 36929295; PMCID: PMC10020071.

  • Aflague TF, Hammond K, Delos Reyes B, Rios D, De Leon E, Leon Guerrero RT, Esquivel MK. Barriers, Facilitators, and Strategies for Developing a Culturally Informed Lifestyle Intervention for Native Hawaiian, CHamoru, and Filipino Breast Cancer Survivors: Mixed-Methods Findings from Focus Group Participants. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023;20(12). Epub 20230607. doi: 10.3390/ijerph20126075. PubMed PMID: 37372662; PMCID: PMC10298141.