by 
Share On Social!
The White House recently issued a presidential proclamation declaring April as National Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month.
“During National Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month, we honor the enormous courage and strength of the millions of Americans facing the disease today and of the many millions of survivors, whose resilience inspires us all,” said President Joe Biden.
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 press release.
Let’s dive into what resources are available and how you can advocate for cancer prevention!
Resources for Raising Awareness
One aim of Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month is to raise awareness by providing an entryway to educate the public about the importance of cancer prevention and early detection through healthy behaviors and routine screenings.
The Prevent Cancer Foundation has created screening and prevention resources through their resource hub, including a screening quiz and guide to preventing cancer.
The resource hub and all of its materials are also available in Spanish.
“When we work together, we can make significant progress in reducing the cancer death rate by at least half, preventing more than four million cancer deaths by 2047, and improving the experience of people touched by cancer, as envisioned by the Cancer Moonshot,” according to the Prevent Cancer Foundation.
April’s designation also aims to inspire action through empowering individuals to take control of their health by adopting healthier behaviors and getting routine screenings and encouraging corporations and organizations to support their employees in these actions.
Information and resources on free and low-cost cancer screenings, testing and vaccinations are also available through Prevent Cancer.
During this month, the Prevent Cancer Foundation encourages the mobilization of resources by encouraging public and private investment in cancer prevention and early detection initiatives, leading to improved health outcomes and reduced health care costs.
Individuals can download a screening and vaccination overview in English and Spanish.
For partners and other organizations looking to spread awareness, a downloadable partner toolkit is also available.
Latinos and Cancer Prevention
Cancer screening can help catch cancer early when it is more treatable.
However, data from the Prevent Cancer Foundation’s 2023 Early Detection Survey found that Latino participants reported significantly lower rates for breast cancer screening (46%) than Black participants (61%) and white participants (63%).
With Latinos suffering from higher cancer rates, it’s important to make sure they’re getting the proper screening at the right time.
“Early detection of cancer can mean less extensive treatment, more treatment options and better chances of survival,” according to the Prevent Cancer Foundation.
The Importance of Clinical Trials
Cancer screenings are important to catch cancer early.
To fight cancer on a broader level, clinical trials are another important action.
Clinical trials are studies with volunteers that help researchers learn how to slow, manage, and treat different diseases.
But they need diverse volunteers, said Dr. Amelie G. Ramirez, director of Salud America! at UT Health San Antonio.
“The massive underrepresentation of Latinos in clinical trials makes it hard for researchers to develop new treatments for this group, which suffers a heavy burden of several cancer types,” Ramirez said.
Ramirez is creating new ways to encourage Latinos to volunteer for cancer and Alzheimer’s said clinical trials, with support from Genentech, a member of the Roche Group.
She is raising awareness by using Salud America! to showcase open clinical trials and uplift the stories of Latino clinical trial participants along with social media events and webinars.
Where can you find an open clinical trial that is the best fit for you or someone in your family?
Visit UT Health San Antonio’s Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases website to view their available clinical trials and eligibility requirements.
Search the Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio’s Find a Clinical Trial database to learn more about available clinical trials and eligibility requirements.
Seek a cancer trial anywhere in the nation here.
“Latinos in clinical trials are not only helping themselves, but they’re also building a future with better treatments that can help their families and communities for many years,” Ramirez said.
How Can You Promote Health Equity?
Encouraging cancer prevention and detection resources and messages is a great way to promote health equity for all.
How can you check the health status of your community?
Look to Salud America’s Health Equity Report Card!
Explore a variety of health topics based on your county including housing, transportation, healthcare, and more!
Share your results with local leaders and community organizations to advocate for change in your community!
By The Numbers
142
Percent
Expected rise in Latino cancer cases in coming years
