Findings From the Spanish-Language Survey Will Help Improve Programs and Resources for Hispanics Impacted by Cancer
In an effort to help close the gap in health disparities for Latinos diagnosed with cancer, LIVESTRONG released a first-of-its-kind survey to further understand how cancer impacts Hispanics and gather data that will inform evidence-based programs, resources and tools to improve outcomes for Latinos. The Spanish-language survey is open to anyone who has been affected by cancer. The survey is available online at www.LIVESTRONGespanol.org and takes approximately five to 30 minutes to complete depending on the respondent’s experience with cancer.
“Hispanic cancer survivors face many obstacles to receiving care or even accessing information and resources,” said Dr. Elmer Huerta, director of Cancer Preventorium at Washington Cancer Institute, Washington Hospital Center. “The LIVESTRONG survey will provide insights into trends among Hispanic cancer survivors and provide information to reduce stigma and enhance knowledge and community resources to improve the lives of those affected with cancer.”
Cancer is the second leading cause of death among Hispanics with cancer rates for Latinos projected to increase by 142 percent by 2030 compared to 45 percent of the overall U.S. cancer incidence. Latinos with lower socio-economic status — such as income and education — have lower survival rates for most cancers which may reflect less access to timely, high-quality treatment.
The LIVESTRONG survey includes questions for people who have been impacted by cancer in a number of ways, including those who have been diagnosed with cancer and are on or off treatment and those who have never been diagnosed, but who have a personal connection to cancer, such as having a loved one who has been diagnosed.
“I encourage everyone who has been affected by cancer to join me and participate in the survey,” said Lorena Rojas, LIVESTRONG Global Envoy, actress and breast cancer survivor. “The more Hispanic participants fill out the survey, the more information the advocacy and community will have to create resources for Hispanic cancer survivors.”
The survey is available now through March 31, 2011. LIVESTRONG plans to share findings with advocates and researchers in the field to foster collaboration and advocacy efforts to reduce cancer disparities among Hispanics.
Get connected at www.LIVESTRONGespanol.org or call 1-855-220-7777 to learn more about cancer and access free, confidential, in-language resources and tools to guide you through the cancer journey.