Latinas Contra Cancer
Latinas Contra Cancer (LCC) addresses the void in culturally and linguistically sensitive programs that meet the health care needs of Latinos around issues of cancer.
Cancer has become the number once cause of death of Latinos according to a 2012 report from the American Cancer Society. That is, over one in five will die from this still under-researched disease in the Latino community nationwide. The following facts add urgency to our mission to bridge the gap in cancer education, access to treatment and quality care as well as increased research.
Latinos make up 16% of the population and over 30% are uninsured. They are almost three times more likely to have an inconsistent source of medical care. Latinos are one and a half times more likely to use the hospital ER as a primary source of care compared to the general population.
These factors lead to later diagnosis and treatment, as well as poorer health outcomes. Uninsured Latinos are two to three times more likely to have cancer diagnosed at a later stage, making it less treatable.
Latinas Contra Cancer Services
– Increases awareness through culturally and linguistically appropriate education
– Develops programs and best practices based on working in community
– Provides access to care for Latinos through screening and partnerships with healthcare providers
– Navigates patients and families through the cancer experience with on-site hospital services and psychosocial support
– Works with researchers to increase Latino participation in research and clinical trials, and to learn more about the causes and potential treatments for this disease
