INFORMATION

HOW CANCER IS AFFECTING THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS:

These reports reflect how cancer impacts the Hawaiian Islands, drawing on research, public data, and findings related to the general population with a focus on the AANHPI (Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander) communities that make up much of Hawaii’s population.

  • This devastating disease impacts approximately 7,393 individuals yearly in Hawaiʻi and an average of 2,393 individuals pass away from cancer. There are over 66,779 Hawaiʻi residents who are cancer survivors. (University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center, 2024).

  • Cancer is the 2nd leading cause of death in Hawaiʻi (DOH, Death Record Data, 2022).

  • Between 2000 and 2021, diagnoses for breast cancer among AANHPI women under 50 rose by 52%, with increases also observed in older age groups (National Cancer Institute)

  • Since 2012, there’s been a 2.5 - 2.57% increase per year in breast cancer for AANHPI women under 50. (American Cancer Society, Oct 2024)

HAWAIʻI DATA

  • The 5 largest ethnic groups in Hawaii are Asian (Non-Hispanic) (36.7%), White (Non-Hispanic) (21.1%), Two Races Excluding Other, & Three or More Races (Non-Hispanic) (19.9%), Native Hawaiian & Other Pacific Islander (Non-Hispanic) (9.69%), and Two Races Excluding Other, & Three or More Races (Hispanic) (4.33%).

  • In 2024, 25.7% of the population was living with severe housing problems in Hawaii. From 2014 to 2024, the indicator declined 1.63%.