Spanish version (Versión en español): Disparidades En El Cuidado Médico De Latinas Batallando Cáncer De Seno
A recent study at Oregon State University suggests that recovering Latina breast cancer patients are less likely to follow through with continuing care after being diagnosed.
About 10 percent of Latinas in the United States will develop breast cancer at some point in their lifetime.
Most are diagnosed when their cancer has reached a later stage. They’re also less likely to complete a care plan created by their doctor.
Spiritual beliefs can be a barrier to traditional diagnosis and treatment, along with linguistic and financial hurdles.
"I think having those cultural elements and appreciating what their believes are about cancer are very important to provide appropriate and culturally sensitive information," said Carolyn Mendez-Luck, an assistant professor at OSU.
More than 25 percent of Latina women live in poverty and lack health insurance.
Copyright 2016 Oregon Public Broadcasting