Talking about cancer won't kill us, the silence will!

Stats that Matter

1 in 3 Latinos is expected to face a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime.1

Hispanic/Latino children have the highest risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in the US compared to other racial/ethnic groups.2

Among all youth under the age of 20, Hispanics have a 20% higher risk for leukemia.3,4

Mexican-Americans have a higher prevalence of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) compared to non-Hispanic Whites5

24.1% vs. 17.8%

BRCA mutation carriers have a 60-80% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer.

Less than 20% of Latinas undergo BRCA1/BRCA2 testing in the US. 6

Data Sources:
  1. American Cancer Society. (2021). Cancer Facts & Figures for Hispanic/Latino People 2021-2023.
  2. de Smith, A.J., et al. (2024). Noncoding regulatory variant in IKZF1 increases leukemia risk in Hispanic/Latino children. Cell Genom, 4(4).
  3. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. (2020). Facts 2019-2020: Blood Cancers.
  4. Miller, K.D., et al. (2021). Cancer statistics for US Hispanic/Latino population. CA: Cancer J Clin, 71(6).
  5. Trejo, M.J., et al. (2023). Examining genetic associations with hepatic steatosis in Mexican-origin adults. Ann Hepatol, 28(5).
  6. Almeida, R., et al. (2021). Community research to develop hereditary breast cancer education for Spanish-speaking Latinas. Health Educ Res, 36(3).

Latino Cancer Research & Care: 2024 Friday Forum Series

Breaking the silence around cancer in Latino communities took center stage in this year’s Friday Forum Series, “Talking about Cancer Won’t Kill Us, the Silence Will.” This 6-part series addressed critical challenges facing the Latino community, where cancer remains the leading cause of death, accounting for 21% of mortality. The Latino Cancer Institute organized the series in collaboration with the historic launch of the first-ever National Hispanic Family Cancer Awareness Week (September 20-26), established by the FDA Oncology Center of Excellence in 2024.

Leading voices from academic institutions, government agencies (including the NCI, NIMHD and FDA), and community organizations presented critical data on Latino research and cancer trends – gastric and liver cancer are on the rise, new genetic findings on blood cancer risk in Latinos, genetics and genomic testing, promising community-based programs, and innovative approaches to prevention and treatment in Latino communities. The series consistently drew robust attendance, averaging 90-133 participants per forum from 11 countries across North and South America, Asia and Africa. This diverse audience included community-based organizations, community health workers, academic researchers, clinicians and industry representatives, fostering rich dialogue across sectors.

The Series is now available online. Watch the forums to explore cross-cutting issues in addressing health inequities and discover the power of collaborative approaches to improving Latino cancer outcomes.

Watch the Friday Forum Series Here!
View the Program Book

Series Highlights

Photos of presenter for Forum 1

Experts highlighted critical research on the rise in gastric (stomach), liver, and colorectal cancers among Latinos, fueled by increasing obesity rates. Among the latest statistics shared: roughly 27,000 new cases of gastric cancer are expected in the U.S. this year, with persistent racial and ethnic disparities in incidence, mortality, and survival rates.

Download Presentation Slides for Forum 1 >

Descargue Diapositivas para el Primer Foro >

https://vimeo.com/showcase/11440247/video/1025578661

Speakers:

  • Maria Constanza Camargo, PhD, MSc, MHA , National Cancer Institute (NCI)
    • The Evolving Nature of Gastric Cancer
  • David O Garcia, PhD, FACSM, University of Arizona (UArizona)
    • Fatty Liver Disease in Hispanic Communities: A Silent Epidemic
  • Mariana Stern, PhD, University of Southern California (USC)
    • Addressing Colorectal Cancer Disparities Among Latino Populations Through Patient Engagement and Education, ENLACE
  • Noe Crespo, PhD, MPH, MS, San Diego State University (SDSU)
    • Obesity, Cancer and Health Disparities Research
  • Mathieu Luckson, MD, FDA Oncology Center of Excellence
Photos of presenters for Forum 2

We explored groundbreaking research into blood cancer in Latino populations and barriers to the latest life-saving treatments. We also heard from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society on their successful on-site and online programs, which has reached 87,000 Spanish-speakers in 2024.

Download Presentation Slides for Forum 2 >

Descargue Diapositivas para el Segundo Foro >

https://vimeo.com/showcase/11440247/video/1025582368

Speakers:

  • Noah Merin, MD, PhD, Cedars-Sinai
    • Raising Awareness of Leukemia in the Latinx Community
  • Adam de Smith, PhD, USC Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA
    • Investigating the Genetic Risk of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Hispanic/Latino Children
  • Henry Garcia, EdD, USC Rossier School of Education
    • Latino Pediatric Patient/Parent Circumstances Influencing Cancer Care
  • Charoh Hernandez Ortiz, National Hispanic Outreach Manager, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS)
    • Unifying Forces: Bridging Science and Community in the Fight Against Blood Cancer
  • Javier Macias, Sr. Manager, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS)
    • Unifying Forces: Bridging Science and Community in the Fight Against Blood Cancer

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, leading experts examined critical disparities in Latina breast cancer care, revealing concerning gaps in access to genetic and genomic testing. Dr. Eliseo Perez Stable discussed how insurance status dramatically impacts outcomes, with uninsured Latinas and Medicaid recipients facing significantly higher rates of late-stage diagnosis. The forum also highlighted promising solutions, including the innovative Tu Historia Cuenta program.

Download Presentation Slides for Forum 3 >

Descargue Diapositivas para el Tercer Foro >

https://vimeo.com/showcase/11440247/video/1025585709

Speakers:

  • Eliseo Perez Stable, MD, Director, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD)
    • Trends in Breast Cancer in U.S. Latinas
  • Laura Fejerman, PhD, MSc, UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center
    • Working Towards Equity in Breast Cancer Risk Prediction and Prevention for Hispanic/Latinx Individuals
  • Manali Patel, MD, MPH, MS, FASCO, Stanford University School of Medicine
    • Addressing Disparities in Genomic Testing for Breast Cancer
  • Sarah Shafir, MPH, Vice President, National Roundtables & Coalitions, American Cancer Society (ACS)
    • Accelerating Progress Through Equity and Innovation: An Overview of the American Cancer Society’s Strategic Initiatives
Photos of presenters for forum 4

Our forum on artificial intelligence in healthcare explored both its potential and its pitfalls. While AI holds the promise of revolutionizing healthcare delivery and reducing disparities, 74% of surveyed patients expressed concerns about their health data being shared without consent. The discussion underscored why Latino communities must play an active role in shaping AI’s integration into healthcare—from ensuring privacy protections to driving technology development.

Download Presentation Slides for Forum 4 >

Descargue Diapositivas para el Cuarto Foro >

https://vimeo.com/showcase/11440247/video/1025588797

Speakers: 

  • Enrique Velasquez Villarreal, MD, PhD, MPH, MS, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center
    • Exploring the Role of AI in Enhancing Cancer Diagnosis and Care for Latino Communities
  • Andrea Downing, President & Co-Founder of The Light Collective, Security Researcher, BRCA activist and patient advocate
    • AI Governance by Patients for Patients
  • Luis Belen, CEO, National Health IT Collaborative for the Underserved (NHIT)
    • Telehealth – Is It Working for Latinos?
  • Julio Garcia, Executive Director, Rise South City, South San Francisco, CA
    • Air Quality and Health issues in Communities of Color
Photos of presenters for Forum 5

New approaches to cervical cancer prevention could hold promise for improving Latina health outcomes. These include single-dose HPV vaccination and self-collection HPV testing. Self-collection, combined with patient navigation, could increase screening participation nearly threefold, according to study results shared by Dr. Jane Montealegre from MD Anderson. These innovative approaches could help eliminate racial and ethnic disparities in cervical cancer screening—particularly critical since Latinas are 40% more likely to be diagnosed with cervical cancer than non-Hispanic white women.

Download Presentation Slides for Forum 5 >

Descargue Diapositivas para el Quinto Foro >

https://vimeo.com/showcase/11440247/video/1025592128

Speakers:

  • Jane Montealegre, PhD, MSPH, MD Anderson, Houston, TX
    • Within Our Reach: Toward the Elimination of Cervical Cancer Among Latinas
  • Rolando Herrero, MD, PhD
    • Alternative Schedules of HPV Vaccines to Increase Access and Eliminate Cervical Cancer: the NCI-Costa Rica Studies
  • Francisco Garcia, MD, MPH, Deputy County Administrator & Chief Medical Officer for Pima County; ACS National Cervical Roundtable Steering Committee (NCCRT) Member
    • On the Road to Cervical Cancer Elimination: Are We there Yet?
  • Nancy Pena, ACS-LION, ONP-CG, CMI, BS, Founder, Navigator, Navegación de Pacientes Internacionales
    • Training Patient Navigators and CHWs in Latin America to Reduce Patients’ Disparities

Our Annual Forum brought together leading voices in Latino cancer research and care to confront stark realities and explore solutions. Dr. Cynthia Mojica shared sobering 2024 projections: 195,000 new cancer cases and 50,000 cancer deaths expected in Latino communities. Dr. Elizabeth Jaffee, Chair of the President’s Cancer Panel, outlined critical initiatives, while updates from the All of Us research program showed how its growing database of 136,000 Latino participants is helping researchers better understand health disparities and develop tailored treatments. The forum explored innovative strategies for addressing these persistent disparities, from expanding clinical trial access to building the next generation of Latino cancer researchers.

Download Presentation Slides for Forum 6 >

Descargue Diapositivas para el Sexto Foro >

https://vimeo.com/showcase/11440247/video/1026222954

1st Hour Speakers:

  • Ysabel Duron, Executive Director, The Latino Cancer Institute
    • Lessons Learned from the Friday Forum Series
  • Elizabeth Jaffee, MD, FAACR, FACP, FAAAS, FAIO, Johns Hopkins University, President’s Cancer Panel
  • Sandra San Miguel, DrPH, MS, NCI Center for Cancer Health Equity
  • Advancing Cancer Health Equity through Research, Training and Community Engagement
  • Program Update: Due to unforeseen circumstances, NCI Director Kimryn Rathmell was unable to attend and take part in the Ask the Director segment. In her place, Dr. Elizabeth Jaffee, Chair of the President’s Cancer Panel, presented an Initial Assessment of the National Cancer Plan. Her comprehensive review highlighted the critical need for public-private partnerships to strengthen cancer research and care delivery. During Q&A, Dr. Jaffee addressed data bias concerns and emphasized the vital role and funding needs of community health workers in the healthcare system.

    • 2nd Hour Speakers:

    • Cynthia Mojica, PhD, MPH, Oregon State University
      • Latinos, Cancer, and the Critical Impact of Social Determinants of Health
    • Barbara Segarra-Vázquez, DHSc, University of Puerto Rico
      • Increasing Latino Cancer Patient Advocates through Training

    3rd Hour Speakers:

    • Janeth Sanchez, PhD, All of Us Research Program
    • Adolph Falcon, MPP, National Alliance of Hispanic Health
      • Breaking Stereotypes . . . Community-Driven Efforts Improving the Science Base
    • Achieving Equity Through All of Us: Engaging the Latino Community for Better Health Outcomes

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