With Cancer, Early Detection = Better Outcomes

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65% of Americans 21 years of age and older say they are not up to date with one or more routine cancer screenings, according to a survey from the Prevent Cancer Foundation.  

With this in mind, the Prevent Cancer Foundation has launched the Early Detection = Better Outcomes bilingual campaign to educate and encourage Americans to schedule routine cancer screening appointments.  

“When people learn the benefits of early detection, they are much more likely to talk to their doctors and get screened to check their health,” said Jody Hoyos, CEO of the Prevent Cancer Foundation, in a press release. “Routine screenings should be part of your wellness routine, just like eating healthy, exercising and taking care of your mental health.” 

Let us dive into what this campaign entails, how it can be beneficial for Latinos, and why cancer screenings are important!  

Early Detection = Better Outcomes  

The Early Detection = Better Outcomes campaign provides a multitude of resources including: 

When it comes to informing your health care provider, the campaign’s interactive tool delivers a personalized screening plan that you can take with you to the doctor’s office. 

Early Detection = Better Outcomes also provides tips and information on insurance coverage and resources for those who are not insured.  

These useful tools and information have also been made available in Spanish.  

Just visit the Better Outcomes Resource Hub and find guides and prevention tools for you and your family.

English Resources!

Spanish Resources!

Latinos and Scheduling Cancer Screenings  

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%).  

The same stands for colorectal cancer screening, as Latino participants (46%) and Black participants (54%) reported significantly lower rates than white participants (61%). 

With cancer being the top cause of death for Latinos, the need for the population to get routine cancer screenings is imperative.  

Courtesy of the Prevent Cancer Foundation.

Many factors can contribute to the large number of Latinos not receiving cancer screenings.  

A 2020 study found that about two-thirds of Americans have skipped or delayed scheduled cancer screenings due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

That same study highlighted how racism in the health care system can also delay cancer screenings.  

For example, doctors often have subconscious preferences for white patients over those of color, studies show. This is implicit bias. Fortunately, this bias — stereotypes that affect our understanding and decisions about others beyond our conscious control — can be rewired toward compassion for people. 

These problems further contribute to the health inequities that disproportionately impact Latinos, such as higher rates of liver, cervical, and stomach cancers. 

The Early Detection = Better Outcomes campaign and its resources in both Spanish and English can provide Latinos with easy, educational tools that assist in cancer prevention and early detection.  

The Prevent Cancer Foundation also provides guides and screening information on several preventable cancers including breast cancer, liver cancer, oral cancer, and colorectal cancer among many others.

In addition to their cancer prevention and early detection information, the Foundation’s website also has a Spanish language plug in for those who would like to read all materials in Spanish.

Just go to the top of  the website, click on the American flag and other language options will become available. 

Health Equity for All 

Access to cancer screenings and educational resources in Spanish and English are a key path to health equity, where everyone has a fair, just opportunity to be their healthiest.  

Looking for other ways to promote health equity?  

Explore the Salud America! Health Equity Report Card to find data and maps on what health inequities – in areas like health care, food access, and housing – impact your community.  

Then you can compare your local issues to the rest of your state and nation and share results with city and school officials or your local health department.  

Advocate for change in your area!  

GET YOUR HEALTH EQUITY REPORT CARD!

Explore More:

Cancer, Healthcare Access

By The Numbers By The Numbers

142

Percent

Expected rise in Latino cancer cases in coming years

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