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National Cancer Institute attacks disease in Hispanic communities

Category: Cancer Detection and Tumor Markers

The U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI) announced this week that it has formed a partnership with governments in Latin America to combat cancer in the region and in Hispanic populations in the U.S.

The signature of John E. Niederhuber, NCI director, solidified the union of the United States-Latin America Cancer Research Network which aims to enhance cancer research and care infrastructures in certain regions. The signatories include representatives from Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Uruguay, Chile and the U.S.

NCI estimates that the prevalence of cancer in the U.S. Hispanic population will climb to about 60 million and represent approximately 19 percent of the U.S. population by 2020. Likewise, in Latin America, cancer is among the top three deadliest diseases.

Speaking on the value of the unified front for cancer research, Niederhuber commented, "The coming together of nations today is symbolic of our common commitment to advance cancer research, but is much more." He added, "Understanding why certain cancers are more prevalent in certain countries and why immigration patterns may affect cancer's burden will be crucial."

According to the American Cancer Society, more than 1,500 persons in the U.S. are expected to die of cancer each day in the next year. Doctors recommend an array of imaging tests or lab tests to detect some types of cancer while they are treatable.