Monday, October 8, 2007

Latinas and Breast Cancer


According to the Komen Foundation,

"Latina women show lower breast cancer screening rates than non-Hispanic White women and tend to seek and attain health care services less frequently than other ethnic groups. However, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Hispanic women. Studies also show that even though Latina women have lower breast cancer rates, they are 20 percent more likely to die from the disease. This contradiction is due to the fact that Latinas are less likely to participate in mammography screening and more likely to be diagnosed at later stages of breast cancer. Studies consistently show that low income, low educational attainment, lack of health insurance, inability to speak English, lack of awareness of breast cancer risks and screening methods, acculturation level and lack of physician referral play important roles in the lower rates of screening utilization by Latinas."

Some very scary statistics. So in honor of Mamás and Abuelitas, Tias and Hermanas, Hijas and Primas, Esposas and Amigas everywhere, Mi Cielito Lindo is going Pink for October.

Help spread the message and raise awareness by visiting the Komen Foundation here for English and aqui para Español.

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