Healthcare disparities put Latinos at greater risk for colorectal cancer

March marks Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of early detection. Colorectal cancer is preventable when caught early, but for many, especially those in the Latino community, access to screenings and timely diagnosis remains a challenge.

Recent data highlights a troubling trend: colorectal cancer rates have nearly doubled in people under 55 over the past decades, with Latinos being disproportionately affected. According to the American Cancer Society, It is the second most common cancer in Latino men and the third most common in Latina women. These statistics underscore the urgency of focusing on early detection, particularly as younger populations face increasing risks.

Common side effects of colorectal cancer, according to the American Cancer Society, include changes in bowel movements, abdominal discomfort such as bloating, cramping or a sensation of being unusually 'full' after eating. Other symptoms may include unexplained weight loss, accompanied by weakness or fatigue, and in some cases, rectal bleeding.

Stephanie Whitney, a bilingual Patient and Family Support Navigator at the Washington D.C.-based Colorectal Cancer Alliance, discussed the prevalence of colorectal cancer among Latinos in an interview with CALÓ News. She highlighted financial barriers and a lack of insurance as key factors contributing to delays in testing, even when patients exhibit symptoms.

According to research, a significant portion of Latinos in the U.S. are uninsured or underinsured, which further limits their ability to participate in preventive screenings. “By the time they're getting screened, it oftentimes is a bit too late,” Whitney says of the Spanish-speaking clientele she works with. “They're typically staged at a later diagnosis, which affects mortality rates and survival rates.”

A 2019 study revealed that Hispanic Americans are screened for colorectal cancer at significantly lower rates than other groups. Whitney, who has a background in public health, suggests this is largely due to broader healthcare access issues and socioeconomic disparities. “What I hear most is [that] many of our patients are uninsured, which is a huge financial barrier,” she tells CALÓ News.  

To reduce the impact of colorectal cancer on marginalized communities, improving access to screenings is essential. However, a lack of education about screening, coupled with language barriers and cultural stigmas, presents significant challenges. 

Healthcare providers are striving to offer more accessible options, like at-home tests, to reduce the stress of waiting for referrals or authorizations. One such option is the fecal immunochemical test (FIT kit), which can detect hidden blood in the stool, as an alternative to the lengthy wait for a colonoscopy. Non-invasive and affordable, the test can be done at home and is often available through primary care physicians.

Whitney points out that even with options like the FIT Kit, language barriers continue to hinder screening rates in Hispanic populations. Without bilingual support, completing the test and getting conclusive results becomes more difficult. “People are not following through [on their FIT kits] because there's just not enough understanding of why it's so important to get it done and how it should be done in a timely manner,” she says.

Another pressing concern is the growing presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in hospitals and medical clinics, which has created a climate of fear among immigrant communities. As ICE intensifies its operations in healthcare settings, many immigrants are increasingly reluctant to seek medical care, fearing that they could be detained or deported. The fear of ICE raids in hospitals not only undermines public health efforts but also exacerbates the disparities in healthcare access that already exist among immigrant populations.

Physician distrust, particularly within Hispanic and Latino communities, is often rooted in fears surrounding immigration status. Whitney explains that while some organizations offer programs within their health departments specifically designed to support immigrant clients, many individuals hesitate to seek these resources due to the fear of being exposed. 'They're afraid that the health department won't help them, or that their undocumented status will be discovered,' she says.

Ultimately, when it comes to life-or-death situations, preventive colorectal cancer screenings are proven to save lives. As public health remains a key issue in today's political discourse, organizations like the Colorectal Cancer Alliance are playing a critical role by offering vital resources, such as screening quizzes, and providing nationwide support through their helpline for patients and families.