CANCER SURVIVOR GIVES BACK
The first Tongan Women ’ s Auxiliary Education Night
In December 2019 , Kalo Cornett was diagnosed with stage one breast cancer . The tumor was removed and she continued with a regular regimen of care . Unfortunately , around a year later , the cancer returned .
Prior to her diagnosis , Kalo ignored her signs and symptoms of breast cancer for eight months . “ People of my Tongan community are afraid to see the doctor , which is why so many women present at later stages ,” said Kalo . “ In my culture , people often rely on faith , and holistic or home remedies .” Not wanting other women of her community to make the same mistake , she started a monthly Tongan Women ’ s Auxiliary Education Night in her neighborhood on the North Shore of O ‘ ahu , where she speaks about the importance of screening for breast cancer , benefits of participating in clinical trials , and preventative measures women could take to reduce their risk of breast cancer .
Due to Kalo ’ s drive to help other women and her strong connection to her community , Cornett ’ s nurse practitioner and UH Cancer Center associate researcher , Christa Braun-Inglis , DNP , APRN , thought that she
Kalo Cornett would be a valuable asset to recruit Pacific Islander women for a UH Cancer Center study , Tomosynthesis Mammographic Imaging Screening Trial ( TMIST ). TMIST is a research study that compares 2D and 3D mammography to learn the best way to find breast cancer in women who have no symptoms . “ Having someone like Kalo , who is connected to the community and understands what it is like to experience a cancer diagnosis and undergo treatment , is extremely helpful for our outreach ,” said Dr . Braun-Inglis .
Kalo now works for the UH Cancer Center to promote screening and early detection of breast cancer as a Community Health Educator for the TMIST study . She participates in community events to help women schedule mammogram appointments , and determine whether they qualify for the TMIST study . Transportation is a common barrier to healthcare access . Many women of Kalo ’ s community don ’ t have the funds for transportation costs and lack vehicle access , which leads to lengthy times to reach needed services . To help overcome these barriers , Kalo provides free rides to and from women ’ s hospital visits .
PHASES OF A CLINICAL TRIAL
PRECLINICAL
LABORATORY STUDIES
Duration : Several years
- Provide information on dosing and toxicity levels
PHASE 1
SAFETY
15 to 50 Patients Duration : Several months
- Evaluate safety
- Gather information about how a drug interacts with the human body
PHASE 2
SAFETY & DOSING
Less than 100 Patients Duration : Several months
- Further evaluate safety - Monitor side effects - Check which dose works best - Check effectiveness
PHASE 3
SAFETY & EFFICACY
100s of People Duration : Several years
- Confirm effectiveness - Monitor safety
F D A
R E V I E W
FALL 2022 | INNOVATIONS 5