This past year saw significant strides in cancer prevention and care, resulting in better health outcomes for all populations.
However, gaps in access to care, including language hurdles, citizenship status challenges, and insurance affordability remain consistent among cancer outcomes for overlooked populations.
These persistent burdens continue to negatively impact Latino survivorship.
The state of non-medical drivers of health on cancer outcomes is examined in the yearly report from the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR).
Let’s dig into the 2026 progress report and look at the 9 key takeaways impacting Latinos. 1. Cervical Cancer Deaths Drop Amid Strides in Preventative Care
Recently, researchers have seen a dramatic drop in cervical cancer deaths worldwide.
A ...
Cervical cancer continues to harm women across the globe, including Latinas, who are twice as likely to be diagnosed than other women. The good news is that cervical cancer is highly preventable. Along with routine screenings, the HPV vaccine can prevent or minimize the risk of getting the virus that causes cervical cancer. In fact, a new study out of the UK has discovered that since the introduction of a national program to promote the HPV vaccine, cervical cancer deaths have dropped dramatically. This study highlights the effectiveness of the vaccine when given at the appropriate age. Let’s dig into the study findings and what they mean for the future of cervical cancer.
Study Findings
In Cervical cancer mortality trends ...
In 1998, the U.S. Surgeon General released a landmark report calling for tobacco control interventions for Hispanic and Latino and other populations. Has this goal been met? To find out, Dr. Amelie G. Ramirez of UT Health San Antonio analyzed public health efforts since 1998 and identified a mix of replicable successes and remaining challenges in tobacco control, according to her recent article in JNCI Monographs. "Although progress has been made in the years since the report's release, [Latino and other] tobacco users continue to have limited access to cessation medication and support services," Ramirez wrote. "Cultural barriers and tobacco industry marketing have also complicated cessation efforts." "Despite these challenges, some outreach and cessation efforts have shown ...
In South Texas, risk is high for liver cancer, cervical cancer, and pediatric leukemia. To pave way for responsive research, the Creando Conexiones: Creating a Patient Centered Cancer Health Research Agenda in South Texas (Creando Conexiones) project aimed to outline patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (PC-CER) priorities and topics identified by South Texas cancer survivors, caregivers, and stakeholders affected by these cancers. The result is the Creando Conexiones: Cancer-Related Health Outcomes Research Agenda. Let's explore the agenda.
Developing the Creando Conexiones Research Agenda
Dr. Rebecca Jones of the Institute for Health Promotion Research at UT Health San Antonio launched the Creando Conexiones program with a $250,000 from the ...
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.
Advancing Environmental Change and Cancer Research Through Latinx Expertise
Dr. Leticia M. Nogueira is Director of Health Services Research at the American Cancer Society. Environmental and cancer care Dr. Nogueira’s presentation focused on the connection between environmental change and cancer, and how expertise from the Latinx population is fundamental for advancing solutions that are relevant to everyone. Environmental change alters the behavior of extreme weather events. Extreme weather events can damage medical infrastructure, break transportation links, ...
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 ...
