South Texas is home to one of the largest populations of Hispanic/Latinos in the nation. Many people in this region face challenges that jeopardize their health and make them more susceptible to risk factors and diseases, such as cancer. These challenges can also hinder cancer care, resulting in worse cancer outcomes. That’s why one the Avanzando Caminos Hispanic/Latino Cancer Survivorship study at UT Health San Antonio aims to address some of these issues and find ways to intervene so that survivors can have an improved quality of life. The Avanzando Caminos study was recently highlighted in a podcast produced by Salud America! for BioMedSA, a non-profit that advances health in San Antonio. For the podcast, Avanzando Caminos program manager and research ...
Getting routine screenings and medical appointments can help prevent cancer, or catch it at earlier, more treatable stages. However, only 51% of U.S. adults age 21 and older say they have had a routine medical appointment or routine cancer screening in the last year, according to the 2025 Early Detection Survey from the Prevent Cancer Foundation. This number is a 10%-point drop compared to the 2024 Early Detection Survey. “While the precise reason for the change remains unclear, top reasons survey participants cited for falling behind on their routine cancer screenings center on [incorrect information or confusion],” according to the Prevent Cancer Foundation. Let’s look into the survey and learn more about how this impacts families and communities.
Reasons for a Lack ...
April is recognized as National Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month. This observance was led by the Prevent Cancer Foundation, along with the support of 84 additional organizations, to raise awareness and reduce the impact of cancer on individuals, families, and communities. “We hope it serves an important reminder to the public that they have the power to take charge of their health with lifestyle changes and routine screenings, because early detection equals better outcomes,” said Jody Hoyos, CEO of the Prevent Cancer Foundation, in a previous press release. Let’s dive into what resources are available and how you can speak up for cancer prevention!
Resources for Raising Awareness
One aim of Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month is to raise awareness by ...
With cancer still rising in the US Latino population, UT Health San Antonio leaders and national cancer experts have published an online book with innovative recommendations to reduce Latino cancer. The book, "Advancing the Science of Cancer in Latinos: 2024 Conference Proceedings," highlights results of the same-named conference that brought 300 researchers, advocates, and survivors to San Antonio in February 2024. A follow-up conference is planned for Feb. 18-20, 2026, in San Antonio. Included in the book are promising research findings on Latino cancer and strategies for new research covering the entire cancer continuum, from advances in risk assessment, prevention, screening, detection, diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, and policy. “Our book, Advancing the Science of ...
This content is from the "Advancing the Science of Cancer in Latinos: 2024 Conference Proceedings."
Using Science to Address Latino Health Disparities Research
Eliseo J. Pérez-Stable, M.D., is Director of NIMHD at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This plenary session occurred at 8:30 am., Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024, at the 4th biennial Advancing the Science of Cancer in Latinos conference. Health differences Dr. Pérez-Stable began his presentation by discussing populations with health differences. While background along with social and economic factors are the fundamental pillars of health differences science, the intersection of these factors with rural populations, other overlooked groups, and people with physical or mental challenges are also important to ...
This content is from the "Advancing the Science of Cancer in Latinos: 2024 Conference Proceedings."
Designing Food Pantries to Improve Food Security Among Cancer Survivors
Dr. Sandi Pruitt is Associate Professor and Associate Director of Community Outreach, Engagement, and More in the Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. She also serves as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for Crossroads Community Services. Food security and cancer Dr. Sandi Pruitt’s presentation discussed food security and cancer, best practices and solutions, and a Dallas pantry redesign. The gold standard for measuring food security is the validated US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) survey, which is offered in 6, 10, and 18 question ...
Dr. Amelie G. Ramirez, leader of Salud America!, appeared alongside other breast cancer experts and oncologists at the 2024 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium. The San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium is an annual conference that delivers important on breast cancer research, therapy, biology, diagnosis, and prevention for an international audience of thousands of virtual and in-person attendees. During the symposium, physicians and researchers learn by attending lectures given by experts in clinical, translational, and basic research, discussions, forums, and presentations, including poster presentations. While in attendance Ramirez brought awareness to the need for more cancer prevention and getting information out to groups that lack participation in clinical ...
The 2025 New Year brings about new resolutions for many hoping to adopt a healthier lifestyle like eating healthier or exercising more. Quitting smoking could help, too. With several health problems stemming from smoking including cancer, heart disease, and respiratory infections, why not quit smoking as a resolution? Let’s dive into the facts and benefits of leaving smoking behind in 2024!
Rates of Latino Smokers
49.2 million (19.8%)—or nearly 1 in 5—U.S. adults reported current tobacco product use in 2022, according to the CDC. How does this impact Latinos? About 1 in 13 (7.7%) Hispanic or Latino adults in the U.S. smokes cigarettes, according to the CDC. Cigarette smoking also is more common for Latino men than Latinas. Latino youth can also be targeted ...
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 ...
