Advancing the Science of Cancer in Latinos

This open access book gives an overview of the sessions, panel discussions, and outcomes of the Advancing the Science of Cancer in Latinos conference, held in February 2018 in San Antonio, Texas, USA, and hosted by the Mays Cancer Center and the Institute for Health Promotion Research at UT Health San Antonio.

Latinos – the largest, youngest, and fastest-growing minority group in the United States – are expected to face a 142% rise in cancer cases in coming years. Although there has been substantial advancement in cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment over the past few decades, addressing Latino cancer health disparities has not nearly kept pace with progress.

The diverse and dynamic group of speakers and panelists brought together at the Advancing the Science of Cancer in Latinos conference provided in-depth insights as well as progress and actionable goals for Latino-focused basic science research, clinical best practices, community interventions, and what can be done by way of prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer in Latinos. These insights have been translated into the chapters included in this compendium; the chapters summarize the presentations and include current knowledge in the specific topic areas, identified gaps, and top priority areas for future cancer research in Latinos.

Topics included among the chapters:

• Colorectal cancer disparities in Latinos: Genes vs. Environment
• Breast cancer risk and mortality in women of Latin American origin
• Differential cancer risk in Latinos: The role of diet
• Overcoming barriers for Latinos on cancer clinical trials
• Es tiempo: Engaging Latinas in cervical cancer research
• Emerging policies in U.S. health care

Advancing the Science of Cancer in Latinos proves to be an indispensable resource offering key insights into actionable targets for basic science research, suggestions for clinical best practices and community interventions, and novel strategies and advocacy opportunities to reduce health disparities in Latino communities. It will find an engaged audience among researchers, academics, physicians and other healthcare professionals, patient advocates, students, and others with an interest in the broad field of Latino cancer.

Amelie G. Ramirez, DrPH, is Professor and Chair of the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Founding Director of the Institute for Health Promotion Research; Associate Director of Cancer Prevention and Health Disparities; the Max and Minnie Tomerlin Voelcker Endowed Chair in Cancer Healthcare Disparities and Outreach at the Mays Cancer Center; and Dielmann Chair in Health Disparities Research and Community Outreach at University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Dr. Ramirez has more than 25 years of experience directing research programs focusing on human and organizational communication to reduce chronic disease and cancer health disparities affecting Hispanics/Latinos and other populations.

Edward J. Trapido, ScD, FACE, is Associate Dean for Research; Professor and Wendell Gauthier Chair of Cancer Epidemiology; Deputy Director for Population Sciences, Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center and Senior Liaison to Dean of the School of Medicine for Inter-program Research at Louisiana State University School of Public Health in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.