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According to the National Alliance for Hispanic Health and the American Cancer Society (ACS), the Hispanic cancer rate is overall lower cancer rates than in non-Hispanics. However, Hispanics have higher instances of cancers associated with infectious agents, such as stomach, liver, and cervical cancer.
“Hispanics live longer than non-Hispanic whites and overall have a lower incidence rate of cancer than non-Hispanic whites,” said Dr. Jane Delgado, President and CEO of the National Alliance for Hispanic Health. “These data need to be looked at as part of the larger picture of the health of Hispanics. To give dire warnings without offering resources for care and treatment is not only irresponsible but it is also unethical.”
The research also found that early and comprehensive access to care is critical for Hispanics. While Hispanics incidence rates are lower than non-Hispanic whites, Hispanics are also less likely to be diagnosed with cancer at an early stage. This is especially the case with melanoma and breast cancer.
“This cancer pattern is what has us concerned for a while and it is another reason why…we have been very active in encouraging people to enroll in health insurance,” said Dr. Delgado. “We have the tools and capacity to do better.”
By The Numbers
25.1
percent
of Latinos remain without health insurance coverage
