Liver Cancer Innovation Advances Early Detection


Blood test sample for Tumor markers test for diagnosis cancer

Liver cancer, one of the fastest growing causes of cancer-related deaths in the US, affects many people in the South Texas area with its large Latino population.  That is why researchers are working hard to improve early detection of liver cancer.  Exact Sciences, the company responsible for Cologuard, a popular brand of colorectal at-home testing kits, announced new findings on its new blood test that aims to detect early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is a common form of liver cancer, according to a company news release.  Let’s explore the new findings can benefit the health of Latinos and all people.   Early Liver Cancer Detection  Exact Sciences’ liver cancer blood test, Oncoguard, has been in clinical testing.  The new test results show that the product ...

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How Can Donating Bone Marrow Make a Difference?



National Marrow Awareness Month is observed in November. This is a time to recognize transplant physicians, pioneering researchers, and selfless donors who make life-saving stem cell and bone marrow transplants possible, according to according to OriGen Biomedical. “Their combined efforts embody the true meaning of hope, healing, and humanity,” according to the company. With this in mind, let’s explore how bone marrow donations can help others, recognize donors, and educate others about marrow and stem cell donation. What is Bone Marrow and Why is it Needed? About 18,000 people in the U.S. with leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and other serious blood disorders need a bone marrow or stem cell transplant to survive every year, according to the Columbia University Herbert ...

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4 Essential Steps to Ensure Food Is Prepared Safely


Wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water before, during, and after preparing food and before eating

When the holidays season is in full swing, families and friends gather to enjoy time together over warms meals and plenty of dessert.   But sometimes food spoils the party.  Every year, foodborne diseases sicken 1 in 6 Americans (48 million people), hospitalize 128,000 people, and kill 3,000 people, according to the CDC.   Let’s tackle how we can prepare food safely and keep the holidays healthy.  What Is Food Poisoning?  You can get sick with food poisoning after swallowing certain germs like salmonella.  Common symptoms include:   Diarrhea  Stomach pain or cramps  Nausea  Vomiting  Fever  “Most people have mild illnesses [from food poisoning], but some infections spread by food are serious or even life-threatening. Some people may need ...

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How Can We Address the Gun Violence Crisis?


View of Man with Gun Silhouette

Gun violence is on the rise in the US.   In fact, gun violence was declared a national public health crisis in 2024.   Since 2000, gun violence has caused the deaths of more than 800,000 people and led to 2 million injuries in the US, according to a recent JAMA report.  Many of these deaths have been among children and adolescents, affecting families across the country.  To address this, JAMA gathered 60 leaders for a summit to create a roadmap to address the increase on firearm violence to promote fewer injuries and deaths by 2040.   “The vision for 2040 is a country where firearm violence is substantially reduced and where all people and communities report feeling safe from firearm harms,” according to the roadmapreport.  Let’s go over the roadmap and its ...

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Dr. Amelie G. Ramirez Joins Other Latino Oncology Leaders to Discuss Policy Impact on Communities


Dr. Amelie G. Ramirez Joins Other Latino Oncology Leaders to Discuss Policy Impact on Communities

Dr. Amelie G. Ramirez, leader of Salud America! and a cancer health researcher at the Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio, joined a special episode of The Cancer Letter Podcast in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month to discuss cancer, policy, and communities. In the podcast episode, Dr. Ramirez joined with Dr. Ruben Mesa, executive director of the Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Dr. Luis Carvajal Carmona, associate vice chancellor and professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine at University of California, Davis. The trio discuss federal policy impact on cancer, including the non-medical drivers of health, research investment, and AI. It’s really been a mission of mine to really raise the flag on the importance ...

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Where Can I Find Diabetes Resources for National Diabetes Awareness Month?



November is recognized as National Diabetes Awareness Month in the U.S. 29.3 million Americans have diagnosed diabetes and 9.7 million adults have undiagnosed diabetes as of 2024, according to the American Heart Association. Diabetes self-management education and support can help people with diabetes gain knowledge, skills, and personalized support. “Adults who receive [diabetes education] follow more recommended preventive care practices,” according to the CDC. With this in mind, we’ve compiled a list of helpful tools and resources to help people explore, manage, and prevent diabetes. Resources from the American Diabetes Association For National Diabetes Awareness Month, also known as American Diabetes Month, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) has several ...

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6 Emerging Threats to Heart Health


A nurse in blue scrubs holds a red heart in her hands, forming a heart shape around it, symbolizing care.

Heart disease is a persistent threat for many Americans, including Latinos.  As of 2022, heart disease is the leading cause of death of people living in the US, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).   Many behaviors contribute to an increased risk for heart-related diseases, from lifestyle choices such as smoking, excessive alcohol use, physical activity, poor diet, as well as many health conditions, such as stress, obesity, and diabetes.   And researchers are still learning more about these and other risks.   In fact, let’s explore six recent studies on the relationship between physical behaviors and the risk of heart disease that you should be aware of.  1. Viral Infections Can Increase Risk for Heart Disease Viral infections, such as ...

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Mental Health Resources for Latino Family Caregivers



November is National Family Caregivers Month (NFCM)!   NFCM is an opportunity to recognize family caregivers across the country and “raise awareness of caregiving issues, educate communities, and increase support for caregivers,” according to the Administration for Community Living.   “Being a caregiver can bring joy and purpose, but it can also lead to stress, exhaustion, and worry about mental health for both you and your loved one,” according to Mental Health America.   With this in mind, we've compiled a list of where tools and resources for family caregivers can be found. Latinos and Caregiving  "Family caregivers include parents, friends, neighbors, and even children, and they span across all ages, races and ethnicities, incomes, and communities," according ...

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Honoring Latino Military Heroes on Veteran’s Day


Lt. Evita Salles, a Latino Military Personnel for Veteran's Day

Veteran's Day is on Nov. 11, 2025. We at Salud America! are excited to honor all U.S. military personnel, including the Latinos, who have served our country. Latinos in the Military: History Latinos have a “proud and indeed enviable” record of military service that dates back to the Civil War, according to a U.S. Army historical website. About 20,000 Latino serviceman and women participated in Operation Desert Shield/Storm in 1990-1991, 80,000 in the Vietnam War in 1959-1973, and more than 400,000 in World War II in 1939-1945. Latinos have received more than 40 Medals of Honor, according to the Department of Defense. “Whether their heritage can be traced to Spain, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Mexico, or one of dozens of other Spanish-speaking countries or cultures, they’ve ...

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