How big of a problem is cancer in Hawaii and around the world?

The American Cancer Society (ACS) reported that the disease causes one in eight deaths worldwide and is rapidly becoming a global pandemic.

Here at home, more than 4,700 people in the islands will be diagnosed with cancer this year, and some 2,000 island residents will die from the disease.

Cancer has already become the leading cause of death for Asian-American and Pacific Islander families in Hawaii.

Knowing that one in three people will be impacted by cancer at some point in their lives, ACS believes that “cancer touches the lives of everyone.”

Here in West Maui, residents, businesses and organizations are fighting back.

If you want to be inspired, raise money for cancer programs and remember loved ones lost to the disease, join in the 2011 Relay For Life of West Maui from 6 p.m. on July 30 to 6 a.m. on July 31 at Lahaina Recreation Center.

During the relay, teams camp out and keep a representative running or walking on the track at all times. The event is held overnight, because “cancer never sleeps,” ACS noted.

Relay highlights include the inspirational Survivors’ Lap, when survivors circle the track and, together with the crowd, celebrate victories over cancer.

After dark, participants honor people who have been touched by cancer and remember loved ones lost to the disease during the emotional Luminaria Ceremony.

For more information on participating, visit main.acsevents.org/site/TR?pg=entry&fr_id=31980 or contact Pam Webster at 244-5554 or pam.webster@cancer.org.

Join the West Maui community in taking a stand against cancer.