Page 14 - MidWeek - Sep 28, 2022

14 MIDWEEK SEPTEMBER 28, 2022
Abreast medical on- cologist at Kapi‘ola- ni Medical Center for Women & Children who specializes in breast cancer and breast cancer clinic trials, Dr. Jami Fukui is also an as- sociate professor at Universi- ty of Hawai‘i Cancer Center.
DR. JAMI FUKUI, breast medical oncologist at Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Children Interviewed by Don Robbins
Early Detection Key To Prevention
Fukui earned her medical degree from Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Jersey. She also com- pleted her residency in inter- nal medicine and a fellowship in medical oncology and he- matology at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City.
Early screenings are essen- tial, yet, we know there are health disparities that exist in our community, and there are many factors that can be bar- riers to breast cancer screen- ing and breast cancer care. At the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center, we research ways to address these barri- ers to improve early detection through both screening and awareness through education.
Once diagnosed, cancer can be overwhelming for a patient. What can you tell readers about the medical team that works with pa- tients at Kapi‘olani?
How has screening and treatment of breast cancer changed over the past 10 or 20 years?
Here, Fukui emphasizes the importance of screening, treatments and clinical trials.
Why are clinical trials im- portant and how are they integrated at Kapi‘olani?
What do you do as a breast medical oncologist?
Dr. Jami Fukui of Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Children speaks with a patient. PHOTOS COURTESY HAWAI‘I PACIFIC HEALTH
Participating in clinical trials now provides access to care options that may become the standard in the future. We
After someone is diag-
nosed with breast cancer they will often see me to discuss all treatment options, including chemotherapy and/or anti-hormone thera- py. Sometimes I see wom- en who have pre-cancerous conditions or breast lesions that are considered high risk, and we discuss ways to re- duce their risk of developing breast cancer.
My patients at Kapiʻola- ni Medical Center. Their strength during a vulnerable and difficult time fuels my passion for breast cancer research and clinical trials. Through research, we can continue to improve our standard of care. My work includes a balance of time in clinics with patients and re- search, and both motivate me to challenge and improve the current way we treat cancer. Everyone knows someone who has been affected by cancer; it’s personal.
How important are early screenings for detection of breast cancer?
We currently have clinical studies looking at how we can improve breast cancer screen- ing in underserved areas and communities in our state.
Kapi‘olani, we make sure to coordinate and collaborate with nurse navigators, social workers and clinical staff to ensure the highest level of care from a multi-disciplinary team.
participated in a pivotal trial with a new drug several years ago, and this treatment has now been approved as stan- dard treatment today. Wom- en at Kapi‘olani who partic- ipated in this University of Hawai‘i Cancer Center trial back in 2018 received access to this drug about four years before the general population because they were part of this trial. Our national guidelines recommend that every patient be evaluated for a clinical tri- al. We believe it provides the best care for our patients and helps to eliminate disparities in cancer care.
Early detection is key. Get your mammograms! Life- style interventions can also reduce your risk of devel- oping breast cancer. Get at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, man- age stress, limit drinking and avoid smoking.
What inspires you in your work?
Cancer care is complex, with multiple specialists involved in providing vari- ous aspects of treatment. At
We have seen tremendous developments in all breast cancer subtypes. Even the historically difficult-to-treat, triple-negative breast cancer, which tends to spread fast- er and has fewer treatment options, has the potential to respond to immunotherapy, which boosts the body’s im- mune system to fight cancer cells.
Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women in Hawai‘i, Fukui notes. In fact, the state has a higher incident rate than the national average.
What can people do to pre- vent breast cancer?
Working Together for a Healthier You
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