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Free public event promoting skin health, cancer awareness set for November 15 at UH Cancer Center

Dermatologist screenings, family activities, risk-factor presentations among offerings University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

November 3, 2025

The Hawaiʻi Skin Cancer Coalition will celebrate its 30th anniversary with a dynamic free community event on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center in Kaka‘ako, 701 Ilalo St. The celebration, in the center’s Sullivan Conference Center, will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Myah McDonald, Mark Willingham and Christopher Aquirre of the University of Hawai‘i Cancer Center
Myah McDonald, Mark Willingham and Christopher Aquirre of the
University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center staff a tent with the
Hawaiʻi Skin Cancer Coalition to raise community awareness about skin cancer.

The event will commemorate the Hawaiʻi Skin Cancer Coalition’s three decades of public education, outreach, prevention and research, and will bring together survivors, medical professionals, students, and community members of all ages. Parking will be available on-site and in nearby lots. Light refreshments will be served. Preregistration is required at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (808) 564-3809; a reservation is required to receive a dermatologist appointment.

The program will reflect the Hawaiʻi Skin Cancer Coalition’s past, present and future:

  1. Free skin cancer screenings, from 1 to 3 p.m., will be provided by dermatologists from the Hawai‘i Dermatological Society on a limited basis (registration is required);
  2. A physician from the Hawaiʻi Dermatological Society will speak about diagnosis and treatment;
  3. A local skin cancer survivor will share their personal story of resilience and advocacy;
  4. Terrilea Burnett, PhD, UH Cancer Center, will present on cancer risk factors and causes;
  5. Kevin Cassel, DrPH, MPH, Associate Director of Community Outreach & Engagement at the UH Cancer Center, will present the latest strategies in skin cancer prevention.
  6. Lily Johnson, a fourth-year University of Hawaiʻi dermatology student, will discuss what inspired their commitment to helping patients through early detection and treatment.

“Skin cancer affects thousands of Hawaiʻi residents every year, yet it remains one of the most preventable forms of cancer,” said Kevin Cassel, DrPH, MPH, Associate Director of Community Outreach & Engagement at the UH Cancer Center. “For 30 years, the Hawaiʻi Skin Cancer Coalition has worked to bring education and screening directly into our communities, helping individuals protect themselves and their families through early detection and practical sun safety.”

Additional highlights include:

  1. Poster presentations and University of Hawaii medical student-led displays on skin cancer awareness, prevention, and research.
  2. Fun activities for the whole family, designed to teach about skin cancer.

More information on the UH Cancer Center: UHCancerCenter.org