by Alma Dominguez, MSW Intern
As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, it is essential to highlight not only the vibrant culture and contributions of the Hispanic community but also the health disparities that affect members of the community. A recent report from Breastcancer.org highlights recent research in breast cancer treatment by race and ethnicity, particularly highlighting the gaps faced by Hispanic women.
The study shows that despite advancements in breast cancer treatment, significant disparities persist among different racial and ethnic groups. While overall treatment rates have improved, Hispanic women often face barriers that impact their access to timely and effective care, which leads to poorer health outcomes. This is particularly alarming given that breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States.
Unique Barriers to Care
Several factors contribute to these disparities:
- Cultural Beliefs and Awareness: Many Hispanic women may have cultural beliefs that influence their understanding of cancer and its treatments. Examples include but are not limited to:
- Cancer stigma can lead to feelings of shame or fear. This can prevent women from discussing symptoms or seeking timely treatment.
- Cultural perceptions of illness – some may view cancer as a punishment or sign of moral failure, influencing their emotional response and acceptance of treatment.
- Familismo, the strong emphasis on family, may affect decision-making, with women prioritizing family input over personal health needs. Some may prioritize family input and care, seeking treatments that involve their loved ones.
- Misconceptions about the disease can lead to delays in seeking help.
- Language Barriers: For non-English speakers, navigating the healthcare system can be discouraging. Language barriers can hinder effective communication with healthcare providers, impacting diagnosis and treatment options.
- Access to Healthcare: Socioeconomic factors play a crucial role in access to healthcare. Hispanic communities often face challenges like lack of insurance, lower income, and fewer healthcare facilities near their location.
- Trust in the Healthcare System: Historical mistrust of medical institutions can make the Hispanic community hesitant to seek medical care, which creates a cycle of neglect and misinformation. This develops into a tough situation that keeps the Hispanic population from getting the help they need.
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: A Call to Action
As we honor Hispanic Heritage Month, it’s vital to use this opportunity to raise awareness about these disparities and advocate for change. Here are a few ways we can support this issue:
- Education and Awareness: VBCF’s resource coordinator and community outreach programs can provide critical information about breast cancer prevention and treatment options. Engaging with local organizations can help spread important information in culturally relevant ways. VBCF has educational resources available in Spanish. Please contact the VBCF resource coordinator for more details.
- Language Services: VBCF now offers Spanish Language support. More information at the bottom of this blog.
- Policy Advocacy: Supporting policies that aim to reduce healthcare disparities is essential. Advocating for improved access to healthcare and resources for underserved communities can make a significant impact.
- Building Trust: Creating community-based programs that build trust in the healthcare system can encourage more women to seek preventative care and treatment.
This Hispanic Heritage Month, let’s honor the richness of Hispanic culture while also acknowledging the critical health disparities that exist. By focusing on education, advocacy, access, and community trust, we can work toward a future where all individuals, regardless of race or ethnicity, receive the equitable and effective breast cancer care they deserve. Together, we can make strides in closing the gap and ensuring equitable resources for everyone.
For Spanish Language support, please contact Alma Dominguez, MSW Intern: Option 7 on the Call Menu.
Phone: 804-285-1200
Toll-Free: 800-345-8223
More Resources:
- https://nueva-vida.org
- https://www.fightcancer.org/acs-se-puede-hispaniclatino-advocacy-alliance
- https://www.cancercare.org/spanish
- The PBS documentary Inheritance serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding genetic factors in breast cancer, especially for Hispanic women who may face unique challenges in prevention and treatment. Free to watch: https://www.alejandracampoverdi.com/inheritance
Reference: https://www.breastcancer.org/research-news/declining-breast-cancer-treatment-by-race-ethnicity https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38722630/
