Many people wonder why they have to mark off their race in hospital forms after being diagnosed with cancer? There are banks where doctors can store cells for future research on this horrible disease. I can understand asking for the location and the age of a person, but asking for a person’s race is rather indiscreet. On the other hand, knowing if cancer is striking a particular population can create more awareness for a community.
According to the study Cancer Statistics for Hispanics/Latinos 2012, cancer has surpassed heart disease to become the leading cause of death among Hispanics in the United States. Why are there so many deaths associated to cancer in the Hispanic community? The Hispanic community should have more screening tests they typically do not go for routine preventive screenings.
What is delaying patient care in the Hispanic community?
According to Dr. Puente Oncologist at Asia/Canada Regional President for Pfizer, Inc. says that “the large number of uninsured and the lack of access to health care among Hispanics, are factors that contribute to delay patient cancer care. Educating and improving access to health care can make great progress in treating Hispanic health patients.
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