From September 15 to October 15, the United States observes National Hispanic American Heritage Month to celebrate the rich cultural heritage, contributions, and achievements of Hispanic and Latino Americans. The observance begins on September 15 to mark the independence anniversaries of several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico celebrates its independence on September 16, and Chile on September 18.
This month-long recognition highlights the profound impact Hispanic and Latino Americans have had on every aspect of American life, from arts, politics, and education to science, business, and sports. Yet, as we celebrate the remarkable contributions of this community, we must also turn our attention to the unique challenges they face, particularly when it comes to health disparities like cancer.
Hispanic and Latino Americans represent the fastest-growing ethnic group in the United States, currently accounting for 19% of the population, or over 62 million people. The community is a tapestry of different cultures, ethnicities, and histories, which enhances the nation’s diversity and strengthens its cultural fabric. However, along with the vibrancy of their culture, Hispanic Americans also face significant health disparities, particularly in cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survival rates.
Cancer is a leading cause of death among Hispanic Americans, and recent data shows that while overall cancer rates have been declining in the U.S., cancer rates among Hispanics continue to pose a significant public health issue. According to the American Cancer Society, cancer accounts for 20% of deaths in the Hispanic community, second only to heart disease. In 2024 alone, it is estimated that there will be approximately 176,600 new cancer cases diagnosed and about 46,600 cancer deaths among Hispanic and Latino individuals in the U.S.
Most Common Cancers Among Hispanic and Latino Americans:
Breast Cancer: Hispanic women have lower incidence rates of breast cancer compared to non-Hispanic white women, but they are more likely to be diagnosed with larger and more advanced-stage tumors. Hispanic women also tend to be younger at diagnosis and are more likely to have aggressive subtypes like Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC).
Colorectal Cancer: Hispanic Americans are less likely to be screened for colorectal cancer than non-Hispanic whites, leading to higher rates of diagnosis at later stages when the disease is more difficult to treat. Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death among Hispanic men and women.
Liver Cancer: Hispanic Americans have the highest rates of liver cancer among any racial or ethnic group in the U.S. Contributing factors include higher rates of hepatitis B and C infections and alcohol-related liver disease.
Lung Cancer: Despite lower smoking rates among Hispanic adults compared to non-Hispanic whites, lung cancer remains a significant concern due to other risk factors like occupational exposures and secondhand smoke.
Cervical Cancer: Hispanic women have a 40% higher incidence of cervical cancer compared to non-Hispanic white women. This is largely attributed to lower rates of HPV vaccination and screening within the community.
A number of factors contribute to the disproportionate burden of cancer on the Hispanic and Latino community:
Lack of Access to Healthcare: Many Hispanic Americans face barriers to accessing quality healthcare due to lack of insurance coverage. According to recent statistics, about 20% of Hispanic adults remain uninsured, compared to 8% of non-Hispanic whites. This lack of insurance limits access to regular screenings, early detection, and preventive care, which are crucial in managing and preventing cancer.
Language and Cultural Barriers: Language barriers and limited access to culturally competent healthcare providers can prevent Hispanic patients from receiving appropriate cancer care. Misinformation and cultural stigma surrounding certain health conditions also lead to delayed diagnoses.
Socioeconomic Challenges: Higher poverty rates within the Hispanic community lead to difficulties in accessing healthcare, proper nutrition, and cancer education. A recent report found that about 23% of Hispanics live in poverty, compared to 8% of non-Hispanic whites, which impacts their ability to seek timely medical care.
Low Screening Rates: Compared to other groups, Hispanic individuals are less likely to participate in cancer screenings such as mammograms, Pap tests, and colonoscopies. For instance, a recent CDC report noted that only 50% of Hispanic women over 50 received recommended mammograms, compared to 64% of non-Hispanic whites.
Genetic Predisposition: Some Hispanic individuals carry certain genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, which increase their risk of developing breast, ovarian, and prostate cancers. Genetic testing and awareness of family history are crucial in managing cancer risks, yet many Hispanic families remain unaware of these hereditary risks.
To effectively address the growing cancer burden within the Hispanic community, several actions must be taken at both the systemic and community levels:
Improving Access to Healthcare: Expanding healthcare coverage and ensuring that Hispanic Americans have access to affordable cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment services is critical. Programs like Medicaid expansion, community health centers, and patient navigation services can help reduce disparities in care.
Culturally Competent Care: Health institutions need to provide more culturally and linguistically appropriate cancer education and care. Medical professionals must be trained to understand cultural sensitivities and provide services in Spanish to bridge the language gap.
Increased Cancer Screening and Vaccination: Initiatives to raise awareness and participation in cancer screening programs, such as mammograms, Pap tests, and colonoscopies, are essential. Additionally, promoting HPV vaccination to prevent cervical cancer is crucial for improving outcomes in the community.
Education and Outreach: Grassroots efforts, like cancer awareness campaigns and health fairs within Hispanic communities, can help inform people about cancer risks, prevention, and treatment options. Community leaders and influencers can play a key role in disseminating accurate information.
Genetic Testing and Family History Awareness: Encouraging conversations about family medical history and promoting genetic testing, especially for families with a history of breast, ovarian, or colorectal cancer, can lead to earlier detection and potentially life-saving interventions.
As we celebrate National Hispanic American Heritage Month in 2024, it’s essential to recognize both the remarkable contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans and the health challenges they continue to face. While cancer remains a serious health issue in this community, raising awareness about disparities, improving access to care, and increasing education around early detection and prevention can help turn the tide. Together, we can celebrate the heritage and resilience of Hispanic Americans while working toward a future where health disparities are a thing of the past.
