Self-Reported Cancer Prevalence among Hispanics in the US: Results from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos

Frank J Penedo,Katy Wortman,Amelie G Ramirez,Linda Van Horn,Betina Yanez,Lisa Sanchez-Johnsen,Maria Llabre,Patricia Gonzalez,Sheila F Castañeda,Carrie Brintz,Linda Gallo,William Arguelles,Alfred W Rademaker,Natalia Gouskova,Melissa Simon

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0146268

Abstract

Cancer has surpassed heart disease as the leading cause of death among Hispanics in the U.S., yet data on cancer prevalence and risk factors in Hispanics in regard to ancestry remain scarce. This study sought to describe (a) the prevalence of cancer among Hispanics from four major U.S. metropolitan areas, (b) cancer prevalence across Hispanic ancestry, and (c) identify correlates of self-reported cancer prevalence. Participants were 16,415 individuals from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL), who self-identified as Cuban, Dominican, Mexican, Puerto Rican, Central or South American. All data were collected at a single time point during the HCHS/SOL baseline clinic visit. The overall self-reported prevalence rate of cancer for the population was 4%. The rates varied by Hispanic ancestry group, with individuals of Cuban and Puerto Rican ancestry reporting the highest cancer prevalence. For the entire population, older age (OR = 1.47, p < .001, 95% CI, 1.26–1.71) and having health insurance (OR = 1.93, p < .001, 95% CI, 1.42–2.62) were all significantly associated with greater prevalence, whereas male sex was associated with lower prevalence (OR = 0.56, p < .01, 95% CI, .40-.79). Associations between study covariates and cancer prevalence also varied by Hispanic ancestry. Findings underscore the importance of sociodemographic factors and health insurance in relation to cancer prevalence for Hispanics and highlight variations in cancer prevalence across Hispanic ancestry groups. Characterizing differences in cancer prevalence rates and their correlates is critical to the development and implementation of effective prevention strategies across distinct Hispanic ancestry groups.

Highlights

IntroductionHispanics/Latinos (hereafter referred to as Hispanics) are the largest and fastest growing ethnic group in the United States (U.S.)
Hispanics/Latinos are the largest and fastest growing ethnic group in the United States (U.S.)
Our findings revealed that there were no significant differences in cancer prevalence (p .05) within Hispanic ancestry compared across recruitment sites where there was a sufficient sample size for comparison

Summary

Introduction

Hispanics/Latinos (hereafter referred to as Hispanics) are the largest and fastest growing ethnic group in the United States (U.S.). Relative to non-Hispanic Whites (NHWs), the Hispanic population shows substantial disparities in cancer prevalence, care, and outcomes[3]. S. have lower incidence rates for major cancers such as breast, lung, and prostate cancer; they have higher incidence rates for cervical and gastrointestinal cancers, which are typically associated with infections (e.g., Human Papillomavirus, hepatitis B) and are more prevalent in lower socioeconomic status (SES)[4] groups. Compared to NHWs, Hispanics are more likely to be diagnosed at an advanced stage of disease for most common cancers and have higher mortality rates for select cancers such as gastrointestinal, uterine, and cervical cancers,[5] largely due to lower rates of access to care, proper screening, and lack of early detection

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