Cancer Epidemiology in Hispanic Populations: What Have We Learned and Where Do We Need to Make Progress?

Laura Fejerman, Amelie G. Ramirez, Anna María Nápoles, Scarlett Lin Gomez, Mariana C. Stern

The Hispanic/Latino(x) population (H/Ls) in the United States of America is heterogenous and fast-growing. Cancer is the number one cause of death among H/Ls, accounting for 21% of deaths. Whereas for the most common cancers incidence rates are lower in H/Ls compared with non-H/L White (NHW) individuals, H/Ls have a higher incidence of liver, stomach, cervical, penile and gallbladder cancers. H/L patients tend to be diagnosed at more advanced stages for breast, colorectal, prostate and lung cancers, and melanoma compared to NHW individuals. Etiological and cancer outcomes research among H/Ls lags other populations. In this review, we provide a summary of challenges, opportunities and research priorities related to cancer etiology, cancer outcomes, and survivorship to make progress in addressing scientific gaps. Briefly, we prioritize the need for more research on determinants of obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and its progression to liver cancer, stomach and gallbladder cancer, and pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia. We emphasize the need to improve cancer screening, early detection of cancer, and survivorship care. We highlight critical resources needed to make progress in cancer epidemiological studies among H/L populations, including the importance of training the next generation of cancer epidemiologists conducting research in H/Ls.