‘Mindfulness & Meditation’ workshop at UH Cancer Center draws enthusiastic crowd of cancer patients, families, caregivers
More than 150 people take in presentations, meditation practice, networking via new Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community patient-support program
July 26, 2025
More than 150 people converged on the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center on Saturday, July 26, 2025, to learn about the science and the practice of mindfulness — or bringing awareness to the present moment without judgement — and the benefits of mindfulness and meditation for individuals affected by cancer.
The free event presented by the Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community, a new program at the UH Cancer Center in Kaka‘ako, drew a blend of cancer patients and “thrivers,” caregivers, families, healthcare providers, and others affected by cancer.
Attendees took in two expert presentations, and practiced what they learned in two live guided meditation sessions. Community-building activities for in-person as well as online participants were also provided. The late Honolulu resident Susan Hirano — a patient advocate, UH Cancer Center Hope Ambassador, and founder of the now-titled Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community program — was the subject of a touching tribute by her husband, Peter Hirano.
Dr. Erin Bantum, PhD, an associate researcher at the UH Cancer Center who gave a presentation on the scientific research on mindfulness, said she was glad to see the strong community interest in mindfulness, especially as it applies to pain management in cancer patients. “Pain levels can often be reported as being much less than they were before the experience of mindfulness,” Bantum said. “It's also very impactful for anxiety, which can often be a big component of having had cancer.”
Breast cancer survivor Gina Palrisan said attending the workshop helped her better understand the pluses of mindfulness and meditation. “When you practice mindfulness, you just learn to accept everything, and kind of just relax,” and stop worrying about what you can’t control, Palrisan said. “Don't get stressed out over that, because you don't have any control over it. It’s nice to be able to just close your eyes and think positive thoughts.”
“Mindfulness can be a powerful tool in the cancer journey. There is a large body of research and evidence that points to the benefit of developing mindfulness as a complementary addition to traditional prevention and treatment, ” said UH Cancer Center Director Dr. Naoto T. Ueno, who is a two-time cancer survivor himself. “Our goal with our ‘Mindfulness & Meditation’ workshop and all of our offerings through the Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community program is to help participants find a sense of peace, regain control, and experience a nurturing environment where they can feel that they are not alone.”
Attendees heard a presentation on “Introduction to Mindfulness,” by Dr. Thanh Huynh, retired radiation oncologist, and mindful meditation practitioner and teacher; and “The Impact of Mindfulness and Mindfulness Meditation for Cancer,” by Dr. Erin O’Carroll Bantum, UH Cancer Center associate researcher. Huynh and Bantum each then lead a meditation practice session for the participants.
The workshop was the second in a new quarterly series under the Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community program. It is designed for cancer patients, survivors and thrivers, caregivers, families, and anyone affected by cancer who is seeking support, connection and community. Cancer is the second-leading cause of death in Hawaiʻi and the U.S., and across Hawaiʻi more than 70,000 people are living with cancer.
The next event in the Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community series is on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at the UH Cancer Center. The free event, themed “ ‘Ohana Pink,” will focus on nutrition, and include expert presentations, a mini farmers market and food demonstrations.
To donate to and learn more about the Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community, visit UHCancerCenter.org/CancerCARE.
Learn more about the UH Cancer Center at UHCancerCenter.org.
