University of Guam students present cancer research at 17th American Association for Cancer conference

University of Guam students Reina Evangelista and Gian Paras recently showcased their cancer research projects at the 17th American Association for Cancer Research Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved, held in Los Angeles, California, Sept. 21 to Sept. 24, 2024.

Evangelista, a sophomore chemistry-biology dual major, and Paras, a sophomore civil engineering major, are research education trainees at the UOG/University of Hawai‘i Cancer Center Pacific Island Partnership for Cancer Health Equity.

Evangelista presented her research on “Adherence to Mammography Screening Guidelines by Family History of Breast Cancer in Guam” and Paras presented his research on “Ethnic Variations in Breast Cancer Risk Factors Distribution in Guam.” 

Evangelista and Paras had their abstracts published at a conference, marking a significant achievement for UOG's cancer research efforts. 

Their research is part of the Hawai'i and Pacific Island Mammography Registry, a collaboration between the University of Hawai'i Cancer Center, UOG Cancer Research Center, and regional breast imaging facilities. 

In Guam, FHP Health Center is the only participating facility. 

HIPIMR's goal is to improve early cancer detection for diverse ethnic groups in Hawai'i and Guam, aiming to reduce advanced breast cancer cases and mortality. 

Evangelista and Paras also expressed gratitude to project partners and study participants.