On a recent episode of the Taking Care of Tutu podcast, we spoke with Angel Nelson, Oncology Data Specialist and Tumor Registry Supervisor at Maui Memorial Medical Center. While Angel works behind the scenes, her message to our community is clear:
Please don’t delay your cancer screenings.
What Is a Tumor Registry—and Why Does It Matter?
Angel’s role is to catalog every cancer diagnosed or treated at Maui Memorial Medical Center. Each case becomes part of a larger database that is shared with the State of Hawaiʻi and ultimately contributes to national cancer data.
Why is that important?
This data helps researchers:
- Identify cancer trends and clusters
- Study environmental factors (especially relevant in island communities)
- Improve treatment approaches
- Work toward prevention and future cures
Accurate data saves lives. But early detection does, too!
A Concerning Trend on Maui
Angel has worked both in California and Hawaiʻi, and she has noticed something troubling: more patients on Maui are declining or postponing recommended screenings.
Common screenings people delay include:
- Colonoscopies (recommended starting at age 45, sometimes earlier depending on family history)
- Prostate screenings
- Mammograms (often starting around age 35–40 depending on risk factors)
- Lung screenings for smokers or those with certain lung conditions
Many people say, “It can wait.”
But when it comes to cancer, waiting can mean the difference between a minor procedure and a life-threatening diagnosis.
Early Detection = Simpler Treatment
Here’s the hopeful part: Many of the most common cancers seen on Maui—colorectal, breast, prostate, and lung—are highly treatable when caught early. In some cases, early-stage cancers can be treated surgically without chemotherapy or radiation.
That’s a powerful reason not to delay.
Symptoms That Shouldn’t Be Ignored
Especially for seniors, some cancer warning signs can be mistaken for normal aging. Angel shared a few red flags families should take seriously:
- Sudden confusion or personality changes
- Severe or persistent indigestion
- Ongoing hiccups that are painful or unusual
- Changes in bowel or urinary habits
- Blood in urine or stool
- Vision changes or facial drooping
If something feels different or “off,” it’s worth getting checked out.
Prevention Still Matters
While screenings are critical, prevention plays a role too:
- Quit smoking
- Limit alcohol
- Stay physically active
- Wear reef-safe sunscreen
- Talk openly with your doctor about family history
We live in one of the most beautiful places in the world—getting outside and moving our bodies is one of the simplest ways to support long-term health.
A Message for Caregivers and Spouses
Convincing a loved one to go in for a screening can be delicate. Angel suggests making it collaborative—schedule appointments together, offer positive reinforcement, or involve family in the conversation.
At the end of the day, early detection gives families more time, more options, and better outcomes.
The Bottom Line
Angel’s message is simple:
“Please come in. We want to see you. We want to keep you healthy and thriving.”
Cancer screenings aren’t as scary as they used to be. Technology has improved. Procedures are quicker. And in many cases, you may even be able to self-refer by calling the hospital directly.
If you or someone you love has postponed a screening, consider this your gentle nudge.
Your future self—and your family—will thank you!
