In the second hour of our program, Dr. Ana Patricia Ortiz, PhD, MPH, from the University of Puerto Rico and its Cancer Center will focus on how climate change impacts cancer research and cancer clinical care.

We know that environmental factors can increase the risk of cancer, but extreme climate events such as hurricanes can disrupt cancer research projects that are working to address health disparities. Additionally, catastrophic events impede patients’ ability to get screened, diagnosed, and treated for cancer. Unfortunately, some of the populations that experience cancer disparities are already more vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Dr. Ortiz will talk about her research, including a study elucidating the impact of hurricanes on gynecologic oncology care in Puerto Rico.