Sadly, breast cancer impacts our Latina community. Latinas are more likely than White women to be diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), an aggressive type, according to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Join us for “Making Your Voice Heard in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Treatment,” our 30-minute webinar that is available on-demand starting on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. Hear the latest TNBC treatments and how Latinas deal with the difficult cancer journey. A doctor who specializes in treating breast cancer, a nurse practitioner, and a patient with breast cancer will explain how to manage side effects, connect with others in the breast-cancer community, and be your own best advocate. Webinar speakers include: Claudia Tellez, MD, Clinical ...
Latinas make, on average, 52 cents for every $1 that white, non-Hispanic men make. This historic pay gap has worsened over time and contributes to poor health, especially in Latinas with expensive, chronic conditions, such as breast cancer. Breast cancer is one of the most expensive cancers to treat. It also happens to be the most diagnosed cancer and leading cause of cancer death among Latinas. In honor of Latina Equal Pay Day (Oct. 5, 2023) and Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October), we’re highlighting how Latina equal pay negatively impacts Latina breast cancer health outcomes and survivorship.
Why Does the Latina Wage Gap Exist?
Women in general earn 82% of what men earn. The reasons for this wage gap are multifaceted, according to Pew Research. Half of US ...
The Susan G. Komen Foundation is working to discover cures for breast cancer faster with ShareForCures. ShareForCures is a breast cancer research registry that connects researchers with information from people who have or had breast cancer. “The goal of ShareForCures is to focus on research that will have the most significant impact for people affected by breast cancer,” according to the registry website. Here’s how you or someone you know can participate in ShareForCures!
Join ShareForCures
Individuals interested in participating in the registry can start by creating a free MyKomen + Health account and complete the ShareForCures registration. Participants are asked to complete informed consent and medical release forms. “Information that could ...
Stress is a grim reality for many Latinas after breast cancer. Survivors deal with health, fitness, finance, discrimination, and social challenges that reduce their quality of life and boost their risk of new or recurring cancers. That is why Drs. Amelie G. Ramirez, Daniel Carlos Hughes, and Patricia Chalela at UT Health San Antonio will conduct a holistic intervention to improve Latina breast cancer survivors' physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, thanks to a new, three-year, $600,000 grant from Susan G. Komen. Researchers will recruit 70 breast cancer survivors, half of them Latinas. Over six months, they will get: therapeutic yoga with meditation
optional tailored exercise and diet counseling
real-time psycho-social support based on survivors’ motivational ...
Omega 3 fatty acids are essential nutrients. Studies show omega 3 fish oil—which contains both docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid—may help lower blood pressure, slow the development of plaque in the arteries, and reduce the likelihood of heart attack and stroke. With the rising popularity of omega 3 fish oil supplements, researchers are conducting clinical trials to test their benefits for other health issues. This is why Dr. Andrew Brenner and his team at UT Health San Antonio are seeking volunteers for his clinical trial to explore of how omega 3 fatty acids can impact postmenopausal breast cancer patients. “Fish oil supplements with omega 3 fatty acids have been shown to stop or slow down the growth and development of breast cancer cells in ...
By Robyn Towt
Breast Cancer Survivor in San Antonio My name is Robyn Towt. I am a three-time cancer survivor, most recently diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017 at the age of 44. I had stage one IDC that was found during my routine mammogram and ultrasound. I did not have any treatment, only a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction with Mentor silicone breast implants. The implants caused an array of debilitating health issues, something that none of my doctors told me could happen. I had symptoms ranging from chronic migraines, rashes and extreme fatigue to debilitating insomnia, burning pain, heart palpitations, hair loss, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing and muscle pain. I had the implants removed after just four months and all of my symptoms completely ...
When it comes to triple negative breast cancer, Ricki Fairley is a veteran on the battlefield. “I am a 10-year survivor of triple negative breast cancer. My doctor gave me two years to live, and I'm on 10,” Fairley said. Fairley is the CEO and co-founder of TOUCH—the Black Breast Cancer Alliance. She is determined to diversify clinical trials, which can help find better therapies for Black, Latino, and other people of color. “I'm really on a path, a mission to eradicate Black breast cancer and really change the game on how we talk to Black women about clinical trials. And right now, we only have 3% participation in clinical trials. So, the drugs that are currently on the market and the ...
Medicine, radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery are common ways to treat breast cancer. Researchers are also exploring new, possibly better treatments and procedures in breast cancer clinical trials, which are carefully controlled research studies. In some cases, clinical trials may be the only way to get access to newer treatments. If you have breast cancer, you can find a new option for treatment by volunteering for the Evaluation of Cryotherapy and TRPA1 Receptors in Chemotherapy Induced Neuropathy at Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio. Cryotherapy uses extreme cold to freeze and kill cancer cells and control pain. The trial, for women ages 18 and older, including Latinas, aims to better treat women who are suffering at the hands of breast cancer. “It’s ...
Latinas have lower rates of breast cancer than other groups. Sounds like good news, right? The bad news is that the Latina breast cancer rate has been rising over the past decade, and breast cancer is still the top cause of death for Latinas. Fortunately, we have clinical trials. Clinical trials are studies to find more effective treatments, which can help current cancer patients, and better understand cancer to help future Latino survivors. You can help the cause by volunteering for the Partial Irradiation and Sequential vs. Concurrent Chemo Early Breast Cancer Clinical Trial at Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio. The trial, for women ages 18-100, including Latinas, aims to protect women against severe cases of breast cancer. “We need Latina volunteers for ...
