When it comes to breast cancerHispanic women are more likely to be diagnosed in more advanced stages, which are more difficult to treat. They are also more likely to develop aggressive forms of the disease, such as triple-negative and HER2-positive breast cancer.
Laura Wegerman, Ph.D., is among those working to increase breast cancer awareness and breast cancer screening among Hispanic or Hispanic women. She is co-director of the Women’s Cancer Care and Research Program at the University of California, Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center. In 2014, Fegerman and her colleagues discovered a genetic variant in Hispanic or Hispanic women that was thought to be inherited from their Native American ancestors. This preventative alternative appears to play a role in reducing the risk of breast cancer. But all Hispanic or Hispanic women still need to keep up with regular breast cancer screening and get any breast lumps or changes seen by a doctor.
Fejerman launched “Tu Historia Cuenta,” or “Your Story Matters,” a breast cancer awareness program. Incorporates the importance of your knowledge family history (Although not all breast cancers run in families, having a family history of the disease is a risk factor) and talking about a topic that some find uncomfortable.
“If your grandmother has cancer, your aunt has cancer, and your cousin has cancer, this is really important for your health,” says Wegermann.
“People don’t like telling family members they have cancer or sharing it with friends, either because they feel it’s a burden on them or they feel embarrassed, especially if it’s gynecological or breast cancer,” she says. “It kind of stays in a very special circle.”
Your Story Matters works with Spanish-speaking community health educators to educate women about breast cancer. Fegerman says that in the past two years, through online and in-person classes, the program has reached about 1,300 Hispanic or Latina women in California. The program encourages Mammography examinationIn addition to genetic testing and counseling if women have a significant family history of the disease.
genetic screening It can tell women if they have a higher risk of breast cancer. It’s not for everyone – it’s usually recommended for people at risk. But Hispanic or Hispanic women are less likely to get this screening and counseling, says Fegerman, noting that they often don’t know about or don’t have access to these services. insurance which it covers.
The epidemic and other obstacles
COVID-19 pandemic The American Cancer Society report, “Cancer Facts and Figures for Hispanics/Latinos: 2021-2023,” states: “It has disproportionately affected Hispanic and other communities of color.”
“A lot of people have missed out on their routines,” says Darcy Green, director of Latinas Contra Cancer (LCC), a service and advocacy group in San Jose, California that helps low-income Hispanic women or Hispanic clients with cancer problems. LCC’s work includes providing health education to reduce the risk of cancer and helping its clients get mammograms. (Mammograms are routine examinations of the breast. A diagnostic mammogram is done if there is a specific problem with the breast, such as a lump.)
But it is not only the epidemic. Underprivileged Latinas routinely face health disparities when seeking out mammograms, notes Green.
Women with insurance know how to navigate the Health Care The system can easily book an appointment for a mammogram, drive to the facility, and perform the examination. In contrast, many LCC clients face more obstacles, especially in an expensive urban area where it is difficult for families to survive economically.
Green points out that they may not be able to take unpaid leave from work to check on something that worries them. “They might be the breadwinner in their home. They might have been looking after multiple generations in their homes.”
Hispanic or disadvantaged Hispanic women may have trouble scheduling an appointment if they don’t have a primary care physician or obstetrician-gynecologist. They may have other drawbacks such as childcare problems, long travel times, or dependence on public transportation, says Green. To counter these barriers, LCC can assist clients in scheduling appointments or arranging transportation.
Finding solutions
Women who are uninsured or underinsured can still have mammograms. In each state, the federally operated National Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program can help low-income, uninsured, or uninsured women ages 40 to 64 get a mammogram. X-rays at little or no cost.
A mammogram, on its own, does not diagnose breast cancer. a biopsy necessary for diagnosis. But a mammogram is an important part of early detection, which can be lifesaving because it can indicate the presence of cancer before it has spread. You may not be able to feel it yet.
Talking about breast health is also important. one’s discussion breasts It can be embarrassing, says Green. LCC is trying to normalize the conversation and raise women’s awareness — not only about getting mammograms, but also about checking for lumps, puckering, redness, and other changes that require medical attention. “Knowing your breasts, knowing your body, is a really important thing to do,” says Green.
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