Abstract 6194: Unveiling cancer disparities: a task force report on multilevel drivers impacting equitable cancer care among Latinos in the US
Authors: Amelie G. Ramirez, Edgar Munoz, Lorna Rodriguez-Rodriguez, Leon Bernal-Mizrachi, Patricia Chalela, Jose Lopez, Paulo S. Pinheiro, Barbara Segarra Vasquez, Gregory A. Talavera, Luis G. Carvajal – Carmona, Adolfo Diaz Duque, Cliff Despres, Edward J. Trapido
Journal: Cancer Research (2025)

Background: Cancer disparities among Latinos in the US are a critical public health issue, with this group experiencing inequitable outcomes across the cancer continuum, from screening to end-of-life care. Latinos have higher rates of certain cancers and poorer outcomes compared to other populations, driven by a complex interplay of environmental, genetic, cultural, behavioral, and systemic factors. While earlier research has highlighted some of these disparities, comprehensive analyses of the multilevel factors affecting cancer care among Latinos are still limited. This report aims to identify these factors to help guide the work of current and future researchers who can address Latino cancer outcomes. Methods: The Task Force: Latino Researchers Against Cancer (TFLRAC) held structured meetings in 2023 to share expertise. Participants included specialists in oncology, public health, and behavioral sciences who examined environmental, genetic, cultural, behavioral, and systemic contributors to cancer care disparities among Latinos. The goal was to explore the causes and multilevel drivers of health impacting the Latino cancer experience. Results: Findings show that cancer disparities among Latinos are influenced by multiple factors, including environmental exposures associated with higher pollution levels and occupational hazards, genetic variations affecting cancer risk and prognosis, and cultural and linguistic barriers affecting healthcare decisions. Behavioral factors, such as unhealthy dietary habits, and systemic issues, such as limited access to healthcare, inadequate insurance coverage, and lack of diversity in the healthcare workforce, further contribute to these disparities. Additionally, socioeconomic barriers and restrictive eligibility criteria contribute to the underrepresentation of Latinos in clinical trials, while cultural stigmas, limited support services, and language barriers pose challenges in cancer survivorship. Conclusions: Reducing cancer disparities among Latinos requires a multifaceted approach, including targeted research on environmental and genetic factors, culturally sensitive interventions, and policy reforms to improve healthcare access and workforce diversity. Collaboration among academia, healthcare providers, Latino communities, government, and industry is essential to achieve equitable cancer care for Latinos. Citation Format: Amelie G. Ramirez, Edgar Munoz, Lorna Rodriguez-Rodriguez, Leon Bernal-Mizrachi, Patricia Chalela, Jose Lopez, Paulo S. Pinheiro, Barbara Segarra Vasquez, DHSc, Gregory A. Talavera, Luis G. Carvajal – Carmona, Adolfo Diaz Duque, Cliff Despres, Edward J. Trapido. Unveiling cancer disparities: a task force report on multilevel drivers impacting equitable cancer care among Latinos in the US [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2025; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2025 Apr 25-30; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2025;85(8_Suppl_1):Abstract nr 6194.