Fukui named chief of clinical breast oncology at UH Cancer Center

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Jami Fukui, a researcher at the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center for the past eight years, has been appointed chief of clinical breast oncology for the center’s newly launched Ka ʻUmeke Lama academic oncology and workforce development program. The initiative is designed to cultivate the next generation of homegrown oncologists and expand equitable cancer care throughout Hawaiʻi.

Related UH News story: Ka ʻUmeke Lama to transform cancer care in Hawaiʻi, Pacific, December 2024

In this new role, Fukui will lead the development of clinical oncology programs and oversee clinical trials to help establish new standards of care for managing breast cancer. All clinical and research efforts related to breast cancer at the UH Cancer Center will now be consolidated under her leadership to improve patient care and outcomes.

“Hawaiʻi has one of the highest incidences of breast cancer cases in the U.S.,” Fukui said. “It’s a privilege to learn from my patients and our community. They guide my research to find ways of overcoming health disparities in cancer treatment, and help to focus our collective efforts to find better ways to care for those diagnosed with breast cancer in Hawaiʻi and the Pacific.”

Prevention, earlier detection, better treatment

Fukui has focused her research on various aspects of cancer care, with an emphasis on reducing health disparities. She served as principal investigator for a project that engaged community health educators to support Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander cancer patients in rural communities.

“Dr. Fukui’s genuine compassion and a wealth of experience enables her to marry science and the social-emotional aspects of patient care,” said Naoto Ueno, director of the UH Cancer Center. “Her oversight will further advance groundbreaking research that translates into prevention, earlier detection and better treatment or management of the disease, especially for Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders and Filipinos, who have a higher prevalence of certain types of cancer. Dr. Fukui is an inspiration to up-and-coming oncologists who will be able to care for those in their own communities.”