This content is from UT Health San Antonio’s book, “Advancing Cancer Research for Latinos and All Populations: 2026 Conference Proceedings,” which highlights results of the same-named conference in February 2026. Dr. Robert A. Winn, MD, is the former Director and Lipman Chair in Oncology at VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Science for a purpose Dr. Winn began by praising recent scientific and medical advances, but also by emphasizing that those advances need to make a difference for everyday people in everyday communities. About 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women are diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. Much of the information about risk, and information about advances in medicine, have failed to reach more rural populations, and even some of their primary care ...
This content is from UT Health San Antonio’s book, “Advancing Cancer Research for Latinos and All Populations: 2026 Conference Proceedings,” which highlights results of the same-named conference in February 2026.
Variability of cancer outcomes based on population
Cancer rates and outcomes vary widely based on race/ethnicity, gender, country of origin, location, heritage, language spoken, socioeconomic status, age, family history, and more. For example, although Latino individuals have lower overall rates of cancer nationwide, rates of stomach and liver cancer are twice as high as non-Hispanic White individuals, and the rate of cervical cancer is 36% higher. [Winn] Because of this variability, intentional steps must be taken to ensure cancer research and initiatives target all ...
This content is from UT Health San Antonio’s book, “Advancing Cancer Research for Latinos and All Populations: 2026 Conference Proceedings,” which highlights results of the same-named conference in February 2026.
The Hidden Costs of Care: Tackling Financial Toxicity in Oncology
Dr. Jean Edward is Associate Professor and PhD Program Director for the College of Nursing at the Markey Cancer Center and the University of Kentucky. Financial toxicity and Hispanic cancer survivors Dr. Edward began by defining financial toxicity as the financial burden and distress associated with the high costs of cancer care. Approximately 30% of cancer survivors experience financial toxicity. Overall, cancer survivors spend about 20% of their income on out-of-pocket expenses, and are 2.65 ...
This content is from UT Health San Antonio’s book, “Advancing Cancer Research for Latinos and All Populations: 2026 Conference Proceedings,” which highlights results of the same-named conference in February 2026.
Genetic Variation and Population Differences in the Risk of Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)
Dr. Adam de Smith is a genetic epidemiologist and Associate Professor at City of Hope. The epidemiology of ALL Dr. de Smith began by discussing the epidemiology of ALL, which has an increased risk among individuals of Latino ethnicity. ALL is the most common cancer in children, comprising approximately 30% of childhood cancer with over 3000 new cases each year. ALL is a cancer of white blood cells, affecting B-cells in about 80% of cases and T-cells in about ...
This content is from UT Health San Antonio’s book, “Advancing Cancer Research for Latinos and All Populations: 2026 Conference Proceedings,” which highlights results of the same-named conference in February 2026.
Breast Cancer in the Young
Dr. Marcela Mazo Canola is Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology at the Mays Cancer Center at University of Texas (UT) Health San Antonio. Epidemiology of young onset breast cancer Dr. Mazo Canola began by discussing the multiple spheres of decision making that young breast cancer patients must face: chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, local therapy, genomics, psychosocial functioning, sexual health and body image, role functioning, and fertility and premature menopause. These represent a ...
This content is from UT Health San Antonio’s book, “Advancing Cancer Research for Latinos and All Populations: 2026 Conference Proceedings,” which highlights results of the same-named conference in February 2026.
Think Tank: Cancer Researchers Against Cancer
Dr. Amelie G. Ramirez is Director of the Institute for Health Promotion Research, Chair of the Department of Population Health Sciences at UT Health San Antonio, and Associate Director of Cancer Outreach and Engagement at Mays Cancer Center UT Health San Antonio. Dr. Ramirez spoke about a program called Task Force: Researchers Against Cancer, which brought together leaders from across the country to explore not only the causes of cancer in Latino populations, but also the multi-level drivers that are impacting health in this ...
This content is from UT Health San Antonio’s book, “Advancing Cancer Research for Latinos and All Populations: 2026 Conference Proceedings,” which highlights results of the same-named conference in February 2026.
Tumor Progression and Pancreatic Cancer
Dr. Jose Trevino is Chair of the Division of Surgical Oncology at the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine, and Surgeon-in-Chief at VCU Massey Cancer Center. Improved mortality among Latino pancreatic cancer patients Dr. Trevino began the presentation by underscoring the severity of pancreatic cancer, which is projected to be the number 2 cause of cancer deaths by 2030. In Puerto Rico, however, although incidence of pancreatic cancer has been rising over the past decade, mortality has remained ...
This content is from UT Health San Antonio’s book, “Advancing Cancer Research for Latinos and All Populations: 2026 Conference Proceedings,” which highlights results of the same-named conference in February 2026.
Conclusion
To address cancer issues in all populations, Advancing Cancer Research for Latinos and all Populations brought together researchers, scientists, physicians, healthcare professionals, patient advocates, and students from across the US and Latin America. These presenters shared research advancements, identified gaps, developed actionable goals, updated clinical best practices, described effective interventions, and detailed professional training programs aimed at addressing variability in cancer outcomes. In the process, many of the speakers made ...
This content is from UT Health San Antonio’s book, “Advancing Cancer Research for Latinos and All Populations: 2026 Conference Proceedings,” which highlights results of the same-named conference in February 2026.
Advancing the Prevention of HPV and Cervical Cancer
Dr. Ana Patricia Ortiz is lead investigator and interim director of the Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, and associate director of the Office of Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination at the University of Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center. HPV and cervical cancer Dr. Ortiz began the presentation by explaining that human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide, and persistent infection with certain types of HPV is established as a ...
