title: Pacific island partnership: the Pacific Cancer Initiative.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Cancer is a leading cause of mortality in the US Associated Pacific Island Nations (USAPIN) due to few resources for prevention, screening, and treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  We describe the formation of the Pacific Cancer Initiative (PCI), and the Cancer Council of the Pacific Islands (CCPI)to address the rising cancer burden in USA PIN. Since their inception, PCI and CCPI have conducted cancer needs assessments, developed strategic cancer plans, and acquired additional cancer program funding for USAPIN.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We emphasize the importance of international/regional partnerships and participatory development in assuring sustainability of cancer programs in USAPIN.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The USAPIN speak with a unified voice.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, John A Burns School of Medicine, University of Howai'i, Mililani, HI 96789, USA. npalafox@hawaii.edu
authors.forename: Neal A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Palafox
authors.forename: Kamal
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Gunawardane
authors.forename: Yorah
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Demei
mesh_terms: D003254:Consumer Advocacy; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration; D006295:Health Resources / Q000458:organization & administration; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007391:International Cooperation; D020380:Needs Assessment / Q000458:organization & administration; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009937:Organizational Objectives; D010139:Pacific Islands / Q000453:epidemiology; D011322:Primary Prevention; D014481:United States