The Maui Wildfires and Their Impact on Cancer Care

In this video, Cancer Nursing Today contributor Milagros Elia, MA, APRN, ANP-BC, discusses the tragic fires in Maui and the massive impact these events have on cancer care.

Milagros begins her discussion citing studies explaining how those exposed to wildfires within a year of lung cancer surgery have significantly lower chances of survival than their non-exposed peers. She addresses how interruptions in care increase anxiety and depression among patients with challenges related to their missed care and general financial hardship caused by the events. She continues to share a study addressing how individuals residing within 50km of wildfires have a 10% higher incidence of brain tumors and a 4.9% higher incidence of developing lung cancer over 10 years than people living outside wildfire zones.

Maui faces specific geographical challenges as an island where hospitals are overwhelmed with patients experiencing severe burns and smoke inhalation. Milagros addresses the difficulty of transport to other facilities and notes that some patients are going without medication, medical supplies, treatment, food, clean water, and even shelter.

To conclude, Milagros offers a plea for increased Federal support, citing that FEMA has only provided $700 per household for displacement/damage assistance, which she notes, “in the best of times wouldn’t be enough.”

Resources

March Against Fossil Fuels, located in front of the UN on 9/17.

Healthcare Professions Hub

Wildfire exposure decreases chances of survival for vulnerable cancer patients, study shows

Exposure to wildfires increases risk of cancer: Living near regions prone to wildfires may boost risk of developing lung cancer and brain tumors

Hospitals overwhelmed and communications systems down in some Maui areas, lieutenant governor says

American Cancer Society assistance available to patients in crisis due to Maui wildfires

Wildfires Implications for Nurses

Maui’s Private Hospital System Is In Need Of More State Aid. Here’s Why

Maui fire survivors are confronting huge mental health hurdles, many while still living in shelters

FEMA, Federal Partners Continue to Provide Critical Aid to Hawaii Wildfire Response and Recovery Efforts

Emergency Resources