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In the United States, cancer is a significant public health challenge.
For example, among Latinos, who are 19.5% of the population, rates are higher and prognoses are poorer than other groups.
The Latino cancer burden is driven by complex interactions in 13 key areas, according to a new publication from the Task Force: Latino Researchers Against Cancer in the journal Frontiers in Public Health.
The task force, led by Dr. Amelie G. Ramirez of UT Health San Antonio and comprised of specialists in oncology, public health, and behavioral sciences, spent a year meeting together to unpack the influences contributing to cancer, from genetics to societal practices.
“Findings highlight environmental hazards, genetic susceptibilities, stigmas, and linguistic barriers as significant drivers,” Ramirez said. “Additional issues, such as inadequate healthcare coverage, financial challenges, and lack of participation in clinical trials, further compound these issues.”
Let’s explore the task force and the 13 key drivers.
The Task Force
Considering the current state of cancer, UT Health San Antonio launched the Task Force: Latino Researchers Against Cancer.
Task force members include:
- Amelie G. Ramirez, UT Health San Antonio
- Patricia Chalela, UT Health San Antonio
- Edgar Munoz, UT Health San Antonio
- Lorna Rodriguez-Rodriguez, City of Hope National Medical Center
- Leon Bernal-Mizrachi, Emory University
- Jose Aron Lopez, University of Washington
- Paulo S. Pinheiro, University of Miami
- Barbara Segarra-Vasquez,University of Puerto Rico
- Gregory Talavera, San Diego State University
- Luis G. Carvajal-Carmona, University of California, Davis
- Adolfo Diaz Duque, UT Health San Antonio
- Edward J. Trapido, Louisiana State University School of Public Health
The Task Force met regularly throughout 2023. These sessions featured detailed agendas and facilitated in-depth discussions among members, who brought specialized expertise, diverse informational sources, and insider perspectives.
“This format ensured a focused examination of cancer issues in the Latino community, allowing for an effective integration of insights and resources,” Ramirez said.
1. Environmental Exposures
Environmental factors are a major cause of cancer issues, according to the Task Force’s new publication.
“Many Latino communities are in areas with higher pollution rates leading to elevated cancer risk. Latinos are exposed to higher levels of dangerous fine particulate air pollution and live in some of the most ozone-polluted cities.”
2. Genetics
Genetics are varied in the Latino population, with various degrees of Native, African, and European ancestry represented in different populations, according to the Task Force’s new publication.
“Genetic origin may be associated with higher risk of certain cancers.”
3. Heterogeneity
Data from population-based cancer registries reveal heterogeneity within the Latino population, according to the Task Force’s new publication.
“[Subgroups] show distinct patterns in cancer incidence, stage at diagnosis, survival, and mortality.”
4. Linguistic Factors
Language and traditional belief patterns are major factors in the Latino healthcare experience, according to the Task Force’s new publication.
“These patterns require careful navigation by healthcare providers to avoid assumptions.”
5. Behavioral Factors
When traditional beliefs collide with American ways of life, health can be compromised, according to the Task Force’s new publication.
“A decline in physically demanding work, and the increase in availability of processed foods high in fat, sugar, and salt can result in a decrease in overall health of the community.”
6. Access to Nutrition
Food sources also play a role in cancer risks, according to the Task Force’s new publication.
“Diets replete with processed foods and deficient in fruits and vegetables have been linked to an elevated risk of malignancies, notably colorectal and stomach cancers.”
7. Access to Healthcare
Healthcare itself poses many difficulties for many Latinos, from language to insurance coverage, according to the Task Force’s new publication.
“A disruption in coverage for a cancer patient has been shown to adversely affect the receipt of cancer care and survival.”
8. Access to Clinical Trials
Studies show that representation of participation is low among people of different backgrounds in the US, according to the Task Force’s new publication.
“Even clinical trials with thousands of Latino participants may yield questionable data if Hispanic/Latino subgroups, ancestry, and [traditions] are not considered.”
9. Prevention and Early Detection
The main barrier to prevention and early detection strategies is cost, according to the Task Force’s new publication.
“Churches and other community organizations, which have already established trust, are currently being used to great effect. Some organizations have even begun to focus on health education in elementary schools.”
10. Understanding
Patients and doctors need improved communication, according to the Task Force’s new publication.
“Then, through deeper understanding, patients might become more engaged and take a more active, informed role in their cancer care, making use of available resources to navigate the healthcare system.”
11. Survivorship
By 2030, Latinos will comprise about 20% of the projected 22.2 million cancer survivors in the US, according to the Task Force’s new publication.
“This number reflects a rise in cancer survivorship in Latino communities, a testament to advancements in early detection and treatment. However, the post-treatment journey is often complicated.”
12. End of Life Care
Palliative care and hospice care are vital for the care of cancer survivors but are often difficult to obtain, according to the Task Force’s new publication.
“Insurance coverage for hospice care and home equipment can give patients dignity and relief. Part of the problem for cancer patients trying to obtain hospice care is the difficulty in navigating a disjointed healthcare system.”
13. Civic Engagement
Civic engagement is often low in people of different backgrounds, according to the Task Force’s new publication.
“Many of the [issues] impacting cancer care are supported by government policy.”
What’s Next for the Task Force
Now that they’ve identified these 13 issues, the Task Force: Latino Researchers Against Cancer is moving toward solutions.
Throughout 2024 and 2025, the Task Force has met regularly to provide specific recommendations based on scientific evidence to reduce the burden of cancer in US Latinos and all people. They will publish their recommendations in 2026.
Group members know that partnerships will be key, Ramirez said.
“We will need collaborative efforts across academia, healthcare systems, community organizations, governmental agencies, and industry partners to improve cancer outcomes among Latinos and all people,” she said.
By The Numbers
142
Percent
Expected rise in Latino cancer cases in coming years
