Latinos make up 15% of the population with almost one third of them uninsured. They are almost 3 times less likely to have a consistent source of medical care. Latinos are one and a half times more likely to use the hospital ER as a primary source of care compared to the general population.

This leads to later diagnosis and treatment, poorer health outcomes. Uninsured Hispanics/Latinos are two to three times more likely to have cancer diagnosed at a later stage, making it less treatable.

Latinas Contra Cancer works with Latino Patients and Families, Agencies and Institutions around issues of cancer education, support and outreach, program development, and cultural competence with the mission of increasing awareness, access to care, reducing poor outcomes and high mortality rates. Our services have been divided into four categories:

Patients and Families

• Cancer Education

  Breast, Cervical, Prostate, Colorectal and Lung Health Bingo - Workshops address myths and misinformation around issues of cancer, promotes screenings, healthy eating and exercise. Women learn self breast exams and are helped to qualify for free or low cost mammograms.

  Sobrevivir al Cáncer- Educational workshops for cancer patients and their families

• Support Services
  

  Spanish language support group for cancer patients and their families in San Jose and Santa Clara County. Discussions will cover problems related to cancer and its impact on the patient and family such as depression, fear, anger, nutrition, affordable access to drugs. Sessions are the first and third Tuesday of the month. If you are interested in attending, call (408) 280-0811 or Office@latinascontracancer.org

• Case Management- Phone counseling, hospital and home visits, resource referrals and some translation. SupportGroup@latinascontracancer.org

• Patient Navigation -Helps patients access the system, communicate with health care providers, comply with treatment, provides resources. PatientNavigator@latinascontracancer.org

Our bilingual services for patients and families are free-made possible by individual donors, corporate and foundation grants and agency fund raisers.

Agencies and Institutions

• Program Development-Work in partnership with local and national organizations to bridge gaps in disparities around education, outreach, support and access.
• Cultural Competence-Better understanding of how to serve the Latino community

Web Site Resources

• Cancer Publications and Other Materials - for Patients & Families
• National and Local Cancer Care Resources
• Updates on Treatment, Training, Clinical Trials and Psychosocial Services
• Events

National Latino Cancer Summit-Convener

• First of its kind
• Bringing together researchers, health care institutions and professionals,  community based organizations and community educators (promotoras)
• Opportunities to learn, network, collaborate and make change around issues of cancer for Latinos