Cancer study explores impact of hula

The University of Hawaii Cancer Center is recruiting participants for a new study on how hula can increase physical activity and improve quality of life for female cancer survivors.

A pilot study last year focused on breast cancer survivors and whether hula helps improve quality of life both physically and psychologically, as well as whether it could help reduce the risk of the cancer returning.

The new study, which was made possible due to an anonymous donation of about $100,000, includes a broader range of female cancer survivors, including survivors of cervical, endometrial and ovarian cancer as well as breast cancer.

“Research indicates that physical activity can improve cancer survival as well as well-being and quality of life,” said Erin Bantum, an associate researcher in the center’s Cancer Prevention and Control Program, in a statement released by the center. “However it can be difficult to maintain physical activity for cancer survivors. Hula is a culturally relevant form of physical activity that people enjoy and it requires participants to engage muscles throughout the body.”

To be eligible to participate, individuals must reside on Oahu, be 21 or older, have completed initial treatment two months prior and not be receiving radiation and chemotherapy.

For six months, participants will be asked to attend a hula class twice a week and practice outside of class one hour per week. Participants will have the option of joining a daytime class at the UH Cancer Center in Kakaako and an early evening class at Pali Momi Medical Center in Aiea.

For more information, call 441-8190 or email hulastudy@cc.hawaii.edu.