Making the Case: Cancer in Latinos is a Public Health Crisis


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This content is from the "Advancing the Science of Cancer in Latinos: 2024 Conference Proceedings." Non-Medical Drivers of Health Impacting Latino Cancer Health Gaps: Genetic Cancer Risk Assessment Dr. Alejandra Hurtado de Mendoza is an Assistant Professor at the Cancer Prevention and Control Program at Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. Gaps across the continuum Dr. Hurtado de Mendoza’s presentation focused on gaps in genetic cancer risk assessment, multi-level hurdles that Latinos face across the genetic cancer risk assessment continuum, and an example of a multilevel intervention to decrease gaps. The presentation began by discussing how gaps in the genetic cancer risk assessment continuum begin with awareness. Only 23% of Latino individuals were aware of ...

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Strategies for Engagement of Latinos in Cancer Clinical Trials


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This content is from the "Advancing the Science of Cancer in Latinos: 2024 Conference Proceedings." The NCI Community Oncology Research Program: Opportunities to Increase Latino Participation in Clinical Trials Dr. Brenda Adjei is Associate Director of the HDRP at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Center for Cancer Research. The NCI Community Oncology Research Program Dr. Adjei’s presentation began with a discussion of Latino participation in cancer clinical trials. Variety in clinical trials is critically important because it generates biomedical knowledge relevant to all, builds trust and trustworthiness, and contributes to reductions in health gaps and fair research participation. Current limits in clinical research is due to multilevel hurdles and requires tailored, ...

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ASCL 2024: Conclusion


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This content is from the "Advancing the Science of Cancer in Latinos: 2024 Conference Proceedings." Conclusion To eliminate gaps in cancer care in Latino populations, Advancing the Science of Cancer in Latinos brought together researchers, scientists, physicians, healthcare professionals, patient navigators, 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 community interventions, and detailed professional training programs aimed at addressing inequity. In the process, most of the speakers made recommendations, either specific to their field of study or more broadly. The following are some key recommendations abstracted from their conference ...

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ASCL 2024: Introduction


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This content is from the "Advancing the Science of Cancer in Latinos: 2024 Conference Proceedings." Healthcare Gaps in the Latino Community The Latino population both within and outside the US has significant heterogeneity. [Velazquez-Villarreal] After all, Latin America has been a melting pot of mixed populations for 500 years, with over 20 heritage groups recognized by the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos. These groups are distinct, with unique backgrounds, language, and US influence, but are also connected by more similarities than differences. [Perez-Stable] Latino individuals are the largest and youngest overlooked community in the US and are projected to account for more than half of the overall growth through 2060. Compared to non-Hispanic White individuals, ...

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Webinar: Empower Your Health and Thrive with Rheumatoid Arthritis


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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) impacts some people more than others. In fact, about 70% of people living with RA are women, according to the World Health Organization. That makes it critical to promote education, resources, and support for women when it comes to treating and managing RA. With this in mind, you’re invited to watch “Thriving with RA: Essential Tips for Women’s Health and Wellness,” an online educational session that will empower women with RA to take control of their pain and health, helping them understand treatment options and know when and how to speak up to get the care they deserve. Join us to learn practical ways to improve pain, fatigue, and depression and find support tailored to you—because no one should have to face RA alone. Panelist Victoria ...

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How Cancer Centers Are Addressing Local Needs


UCM Oncology Food Pantry

More than 2 million people in the United States are expected to be diagnosed with cancer this year. No two among them will experience cancer exactly the same way. Even so, certain groups of people will share similar cancer experiences. Latinos face higher rates of cervical, liver, and stomach cancers. Black women with ovarian cancer don’t live as long as White women with the disease. People living in rural areas are less likely to get regular cancer screenings than those who live in cities. And people who live in areas where poverty has been the norm for decades are more likely to die of cancer than those living in more affluent areas. These patterns of worse outcomes among specific groups of people are called cancer differences. Although biological differences can contribute to ...

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Report: Over a Third of US Counties Are Maternity Care Deserts


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The US is experiencing a maternity healthcare crisis where pre-term labors and infant and maternal mortality rates are up due to a lack of access to prenatal and postpartum care.  Many of these women live in areas designated as maternity care deserts. These are areas where pregnant individuals and mothers have limited or nonexistent access to vital prenatal and postpartum health care.  Maternal care deserts exist in 35% of US counties — encompassing 2.3 million reproductive aged women, according to the March of Dimes’ annual report, Nowhere to Go: Maternity Care Deserts in the US.  According to the report, living in these areas greatly increases their risk for infant and maternal mortality, pre-term labor, and untreated conditions that could harm the lives of the mother or ...

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New UT Health San Antonio Multispecialty and Research Hospital Set to Open


New Multispecialty Research Hospital at night.

After years of anticipation, the brand-new UT Health San Antonio hospital is set to open its doors to the public on Dec. 10, 2024.  The UT Health San Antonio Multispecialty and Research Hospital is the first of its kind.  Serving patients in South Texas, the hospital aims to be a hub for innovative therapies and treatments for cancer and other diseases while granting visitors access to experts in their fields of study.   Let’s break down all the details about the new UT Health San Antonio hospital and how it will serve Latinos and all people in The Alamo City.  New UT Health San Antonio Hospital   The new $472 million facility stands at eight stories tall to house advanced interventional radiology, a specialized intensive care unit and an integrated imaging center ...

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