Latinos In Texas Research Articles

First-line therapies in a Latino-rich cohort of US patients (pts) with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and Child Pugh B (CPB) cirrhosis.

453 Background: There are limited prospective clinical trials in patients with both HCC and CPB cirrhosis. As the prevalence of HCC and cirrhosis has been rising among Latinos in South Texas, it is crucial to examine the liver dysfunction within this demographic to understand the contributing factors to treatment patterns. Therefore, we conducted a retrospective analysis of 36 patients with both HCC and Child Pugh B (CPB) cirrhosis. Methods: A dataset of 65 patients with HCC and cirrhosis from 2009 – 2019 was used to identify 36 patients with CPB treated at a Latino-Rich NCI-designated Cancer Center. We further segmented patients of Child Pugh Class B by ALBI grades (1-3) to explore variations in demographics, liver dysfunction, and first-line therapies. Results: Median age overall of the cohort is 59 (50-71). Ethnicity: Latino White (83%), Non-Latino White (14%), Black (3%). Etiology: HCV (78 %) EtOH (50%), NASH (19%), and HBV (3%). ALBI Grade: I (6%), II (50%), III (44%). First line treatment in CPB: Sorafenib (86%), Nivolumab (8%), Lenvatinib (6%). Sorafenib was used across all ALBI grades, while Lenvatinib and Nivolumab were given only in ALBI II (Table). Conclusions: Sorafenib was more often given to patients with CPB cirrhosis, in the first line setting; however, more patients were treated with nivolumab or lenvatinib with ALBI II. Further investigation of survival based on ALBI levels and the trajectory of liver function over time in response to different treatment approaches is underway in a larger cohort who has received newer immunotherapy-based regimens. With more agents approved for HCC, prospective clinical trials are needed in CPB and HCC. [Table: see text]

Examining the role of perceived discrimination stress, disaster communication, and community resilience perceptions in Hurricane Harvey stress reactions among Latinos in Texas

The current study examines (a) how the experience of perceived discrimination stress can exacerbate posttraumatic stress (PTS) reactions following a disaster, and (b) how individual disaster communication and community resilience perceptions can mediate PTS following the same event. We surveyed 397 Latino residents who lived in Texas counties impacted by Hurricane Harvey. Using PROCESS (Hayes, 2018) [1] , results revealed that individuals who experienced more perceived discrimination stress in their daily lives reported more PTS symptoms as hurricane exposure increased when compared to individuals who experienced lower levels of perceived discrimination stress. Additionally, individual disaster communication indirectly reduced PTS symptoms through community resilience perceptions. The results suggest disaster public health models should incorporate multi-phase communicative efforts to address perceived discrimination stress and foster community resilience perceptions.

A qualitative descriptive study of providers\u2019 perspectives on human papillomavirus vaccine administration among Latino/a adolescents in South Texas clinics: barriers and facilitators

BackgroundSouth Texas Latinas experience higher cervical cancer incidence and mortality compared to Latinas nationwide. Despite the availability of effective human papillomavirus vaccines, South Texas Latino/a adolescents sub-optimally complete the series. Research shows provider recommendation strongly predicts vaccine uptake, but minority adolescents are less likely to report that their provider recommended the vaccine and series completion. There is also scant information on the HPV vaccine administration process in clinic practices providing vaccination services to Latino adolescents with limited access to healthcare resources. The purpose of the study was to describe providers’ experience with administering the HPV vaccine to Latino/a patients in their practices.MethodsThe study used qualitative description to describe the experience of 15 South Texas healthcare providers (doctors and nurses) with the process of HPV vaccine administration in their practices. We conducted open ended, audio-recorded interviews, which were subsequently transcribed verbatim and uploaded into Atlas.(ti) 7.0 for analysis. The interviews yielded detailed descriptions of barriers and facilitators that could potentially impact HPV vaccine uptake.ResultsProviders identified parental exposure to provider recommendation as enhancing HPV acceptance and existing policies and implementation of evidence-based practices as facilitators of HPV vaccine uptake. Barriers ranged from parental fears of adolescent sexual activity and potential vaccine side effects to lack of transportation and the cost of the vaccine.ConclusionThese findings reflect barriers and facilitators to administering the HPV vaccine previously identified and also highlight issues unique to the situation among Latinos in South Texas. Implications include the need to design and implement efforts to improve provider-parent communication and enhance parental and adolescent patients’ understanding of and confidence in the HPV vaccine. Furthermore, policy changes are needed to rectify organizational/structural challenges to HPV vaccine administration.

Conspiratorial thinking in the Latino community on the 2020 election

Political knowledge is the cornerstone of a functional representative democracy, but belief in conspiracy theories disrupts that connection and may be dangerous with consequences for democracy. Pundits and politicians have speculated about the cause and effect of misinformation and conspiracy theories, but no work has examined what causes beliefs in conspiracy theories or misinformation among Latinos specifically. In a unique survey of Texas Latinos prior to the 2020 election, we find belief in conspiracy theories is most related to support for Donald Trump and greater reliance on Spanish-language media and social media. The results highlight how conspiratorial thinking manifests in specific ethnic groups and the need to counter those beliefs in Spanish-language media.

Bladder Cancer Incidence and Survival in the United States and Texas Non-Latino Whites and Latinos

BACKGROUND: Bladder cancer (BC) poses an enormous burden on health care systems. Latinos in Texas (TX) were underrepresented in previous studies on racial/ethnic disparity of BC in the US. OBJECTIVE: To examine whether BC incidence and survival rates differ among Latinos compared to non-Latino whites (NLW) in South TX, TX, and the US SEER. METHODS: Data was collected from the US SEER Program and the Texas Cancer Registry. Annual age-specific and age-adjusted BC incidence rates and annual 5-year relative survival were calculated. RESULTS: South TX and TX had significantly lower BC incidence rates than SEER for both Latinos and NLW regardless of gender (Ps < 0.05). South TX women had worse BC survival rates than SEER women for both Latinos and NLW (Ps < 0.05). TX NLW had worse BC survival rates than SEER NLW for both genders together and men only (Ps < 0.05). All Latino groups had lower incidence but worse survival rates than NLW groups for both men and women in each geographic area (all Ps < 0.05). Women had significantly lower BC incidence but worse survival rates than men regardless of race/ethnicity in each geographic area (all Ps < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: South TX women had lower BC incidence but worse survival rates than US SEER women for both Latinos and NLW. Latinos had worse survival but lower incidence rates than NLW. Women had lower BC incidence but worse survival rates than men. The study identifies the BC distribution and high-risk population, racial/ethnic disparities, and geographic differences. It facilitates health care services planning.

Abstract 1199: Adult Hispanic males experience a higher incidence of acute lymphoblastic leukemia compared to non-Hispanic Whites

Abstract Introduction: Acute leukemia is an important cause of morbidity and mortality with differences in incidence and outcomes between patients of different ethnic backgrounds. We conducted this study to examine the ethnic disparities in incidence of ALL as well as other types of acute leukemia in the Latino population in South Texas. Methods: Data were obtained from the U.S. Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results 18 (SEER) Program and the Texas Cancer Registry (TCR) under Limited-Use Data Agreements between sources and authors. Adult patients (15 years or older) were identified in both SEER and TCR databases from 2000 to 2014 and ICD-O-3 codes were used to select specific malignancies: ALL (9727-9729, 9835-9837), acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) (9866) and non-APL acute myeloid leukemia (AML) (9840, 9861, 9867, 9870-9874, 9891, 9895-9897, 9910, 9920, 9930, 9931). Ethnicity was classified as Hispanic (H) and non-Hispanic White (NHW) per the North American Association of Central Cancer Registry (NAACR) Hispanic Identification Algorithm. Cases were obtained from SEER 18 and TCR, including Texas and the 38 counties of South Texas. Comparisons used the SEER population of NHW as reference. We used SEER*Stat software v 8.3.4 (SEER*Stat, NIH), to generate 2000-2014 average annual age-specific and age-adjusted acute leukemia incidence rates (per 1000000), rate ratios (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for Hispanic and NHW populations in SEER, Texas, and South Texas. Results: Table 1 shows Hispanic males in South Texas had significantly higher RR for development of ALL (p<0.05), and lower for non-APL AML; there was no statistical difference for APL RR compared to NHW. Males (15-39 and 70-79 years) had higher rates of ALL. Conclusion: Latinos in South Texas experience a higher incidence of ALL and a lower incidence of non-APL AML compared to NHW. Future studies are needed to identify specific risk factors associated with this higher burden in Hispanic population. Table 1SEERTCRTexasSouth TexasHNHWRR (95%CI)HNHWRR (95%CI)HNHWRR (95%CI)ALL213744421.50 (1.42-1.59)9789851.43 (1.33-1.53)3771071.63 (1.46-1.81)Non-APL AML3398047190.77 (0.75-0.80)216375930.41 (0.40-0.43)8488980.48 (0.45-0.51)APL77022241.22 (1.11-1.33)3094720.90 (0.80- 1.02)109510.94 (0.77- 1.14) Citation Format: Manuel R. Espinoza-Gutarra, Edgar Munoz, Dimpy P. Shah, Anand Karnad, Ruben A. Mesa, Amelie G. Ramirez. Adult Hispanic males experience a higher incidence of acute lymphoblastic leukemia compared to non-Hispanic Whites [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 1199.

Abstract 2424: Hepatocellular carcinoma in the South Texas Latino population: Implications of STEAP2

Abstract Introduction: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer in adults and the third most common cause of cancer death worldwide; while incidence and mortality rates are two times higher in Latinos, incidence rates are the highest among Latinos in the South Texas region. The genetic and epigenetic events associated with the increased incidence of HCC in this population are largely unknown. We performed whole genome RNA sequencing in paired HCC tumor and adjacent non-tumor tissue total RNA from nine South Texas Latino patients. Analysis of differentially expressed genes revealed significant alterations in pathways associated with oxidative stress; most importantly, we found that the expression of STEAP2 (Six Transmembrane Epithelial Antigen of the Prostate 2) is increased five-fold in HCC tumor tissue compared to adjacent non-tumor tissue. In comparison to a non-Latino population, this finding was unique to South Texas Latinos. STEAP2 is a metalloreductase of iron and copper; reduced iron and copper ions can mediate the production of hydroxyl radicals resulting in increased oxidative stress, which can cause DNA damage and lipid peroxidation. We aim to prove that STEAP2 through regulation of iron and copper homeostasis, and an increase in oxidative stress, will lead to malignant transformation of hepatocytes resulting in tumor progression of HCC, including in obese hosts. Material and Methods: Latino paired HCC and adjacent non-tumor tissues were collected for RNA sequencing, metal ion measurement and oxidative stress markers. STEAP2 RNA and protein expression levels in Latino and Caucasian samples were evaluated by RT-PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. HCC cell lines (SNU398 and HUH7) with knockdown (KD) and overexpression (OE) of STEAP2 were created to examine the proliferation, migration, anchorage independent growth, and oxidative stress in vitro. Results: Analysis of RNA sequencing data demonstrated the overexpression of STEAP2 in HCC tumors in Latino patients, which were validated by RT-PCR and Western blot data. Lipid peroxidation product, 4-hydroxynonenal, and copper levels were higher in HCC tumor vs. adjacent tissue. KD of STEAP2 in the HCC cell lines decreased proliferation, migration and anchorage independent growth, while OE of STEAP2 increase migration and anchorage independent growth but not proliferation. Conclusions: STEAP2 is specifically overexpressed in HCC tumors in Latinos in comparison to HCC tumors in non-Latino whites and appears to play a malignant-promoting role in HCC cells. Further studies on the role of STEAP2 as a novel tumor promoter in HCC and the mechanisms by which it promotes carcinogenesis are underway. The proposed studies will likely yield mechanistic insights into the molecular mechanisms that drive HCC development and progression in South Texas Latinos and potential therapeutic targets. Citation Format: Carla Zeballos, Hakim Bouamar, Guixi Zheng, Xiang Gu, Yidong Chen, Francisco G. Cigarroa, Lu-Zhe Sun. Hepatocellular carcinoma in the South Texas Latino population: Implications of STEAP2 [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2424.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) and Race: A Report of ECT Use and Sociodemographic Trends in Texas.

Minimal research on race and other sociodemographic disparities in patients receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) exists. One previously noted national trend reveals whites receiving ECT disproportionately more than other races. The aim of this study is to determine whether a county ECT program demonstrates similar disparities observed at the state and national levels. This study examined 21 years of ECT data, between 1993 and 2014, provided by the Texas Department of State Health Services, focusing on race, sex, age, and payer source and 2.5 years of the same variables from a Harris County hospital ECT program. In addition, population demographic data for Harris County and the state of Texas during the same period were obtained from the Department of State Health Services Web site. Despite an overall decrease in the population of whites countywide and statewide, whites continue to use more ECT than African Americans, Latinos, and Asians in both Harris County and Texas. However, the rates of ECT use in minorities increased overall. Both countywide and statewide, ECT was used more than twice as often in women than men. Statewide, elderly patients (>65 years old) saw decreases in ECT use, and there was an increase in private third-party payer source. Electroconvulsive therapy remains underused among African Americans, Latinos, and Asians. Hypotheses and areas for future study include cultural beliefs, stigma, patient and provider knowledge of ECT, and access to care. Despite this, the general use of ECT in Texas has increased overall, and minority use is slowly on the rise.

Turnout, Status, and Identity: Mobilizing Latinos to Vote with Group Appeals

The rise of micro-targeting in American elections raises new questions about the effects of identity-based mobilization strategies. In this article, we bring together theories of expressive voting with literature on racial and ethnic identification to argue that prior studies, which have found either weak or null effects of identity messages targeting minority groups, have missed a crucial moderating variable—identity strength—that varies across both individuals and communities. Identity appeals can have powerful effects on turnout, but only when they target politicized identities to which individuals hold strong prior attachments. Using two innovative GOTV field experiments that rely on publicly available data as a proxy for identity strength, we show that the effects of both ethnic and national identity appeals among Latinos in California and Texas are conditional on the strength of those identities in different communities and among different Latino subgroups.

Abstract A11: Text messaging cessation service for young adult Latinos in South Texas: Program protocol and preliminary results

Abstract Smoking among Latino young adults (18-29) in South Texas is high (23.2% to 25.7%), representing a serious public health problem. Yet few are reached by services to help them quit smoking. Young adult Latinos are heavy users of mobile devices for texting and access to mobile media. These have an extraordinary theoretical potential for assisting smoking cessation by providing peer modeling and eliciting social reinforcement for behavior change. Thus, we are developing bilingual text messaging and mobile media services specifically targeting Latino young adults in South Texas to quit smoking. Methods: Following a six-month preparatory phase of work to finalize promotional plans, develop and pretest evidence-based, culturally tailored English and Spanish SMS (text message) cessation services, we will launch an intensive social and mobile media promotional campaign to recruit 3,000 young adult cigarette smokers to this service. This project's innovative features include attention to a population that has not been served with efforts to promote smoking cessation. We will employ social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube) for outreach young adults who smoke. Text messages include links to web pages with additional content and YouTube videos with peer modeling of reasons and skills to quit smoking. We are transforming evidence-based SMS cessation assistance methods that have previously been available only in English or with generic Spanish translation, to fit the language use and cultural milieu of young Spanish and English speakers. Preliminary Results: Results of our initial pilot test showed that the Facebook advertising yielded 481,601 impressions and 1,534 unique users clicked join to view the service's home page. The invitation to text a code there resulted in 147 enrollments in the service, at a cost of $37 for each user recruited. Users were all men, with a mean age of 28 and 63% reporting that they were Hispanic or Latino. These users received texts with links to mobile pages addressing reasons for quitting, social support, nicotine replacements, breathing exercises, getting active, things to do instead of smoking, talk yourself out of smoking and binge drinking. On average these service users spent 7.75 minutes consuming the graphic, text and video content on these pages. Conclusion: Preliminary results provide evidence that young adult Latino smokers can be reached via mobile media service. The anticipated outcome is a scalable, culturally relevant, evidence-based and cost-effective service with broad national reach to help young adults of Latinos stop smoking, with the potential to reduce health care costs, reduce chronic disease burden and improve quality of life among this young, fast-growing, at-risk population. The program kickoff is scheduled for September and we will present preliminary results. Citation Format: Amelie G. Ramirez, Patricia Chalela, Kipling J. Gallion, Edgar Muñoz, Cliff Despres, David Akopian, Arely Perez, Robert Garcia, Alfred L. McAlister. Text messaging cessation service for young adult Latinos in South Texas: Program protocol and preliminary results. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eighth AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 13-16, 2015; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2016;25(3 Suppl):Abstract nr A11.

Epidemiology of hepatocellular carcinoma in the United States: where are we? Where do we go?

Epidemiology of hepatocellular carcinoma in the United States: where are we? Where do we go?

Correction: Incidence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Texas Latinos, 1995–2010: An Update

Correction: Incidence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Texas Latinos, 1995–2010: An Update

Incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in Texas Latinos, 1995-2010: an update.

BackgroundA previous study showed Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) rates to be higher among Latinos in Texas and highest among South Texas Latinos compared to other non-Hispanic whites (NHW) and other Latinos in the United States (U.S.). We used more recent data to assess trends in HCC among Texas Latinos and to reassess the elevated HCC incidence rate in Texas Latinos.MethodsWe used data from the U.S. SEER Program and the Texas Cancer Registry to calculate annual and 3-year moving average age-specific and age-adjusted HCC incidence rates, annual percent changes (APCs), and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals for Latinos and NHW in the U.S., Texas and South Texas.ResultsTexas Latino male and female incidence rates were 3.1 and 4.0 times higher than their NHW counterparts in SEER regions. Latino males and females in South Texas had the highest rates of HCC incidence overall; rate ratios were 3.6 and 4.2 among South Texas Latino males and females compared to SEER NHW counterparts. There are statistically significant increases in HCC incidence rates in all groups (Texas and South Texas Latinos and NHW groups) and across all age groups. The elevated HCC rates in Texas Latinos are consistent over the 1995–2010 period.ConclusionsThe incidence of HCC among Latinos in South Texas remains higher than elsewhere in the U.S. and warrants closer investigation of potential risk factors related to prevailing conditions unique to the population including higher obesity and diabetes rates, environmental, cultural and socioeconomic factors and possibly genetic predisposition.

Colorectal cancer screening among Latinos in three communities on the Texas-Mexico border.

To assess colorectal cancer screening (CRCS) prevalence and psychosocial correlates of CRCS among Latinos in South Texas. Using multivariable analyses, we examined the association of perceived susceptibility, self-efficacy, pros and cons, subjective norms, knowledge and fatalism on CRCS among 544 Latinos (50 years and older). In this socioeconomically disadvantaged population, 40% had never heard of any CRCS test, only 34% reported ever completing any type of CRCS, and only 25% were adherent to CRCS guidelines. Insurance status, gender, perceived cons, CRCS self-efficacy, and CRCS norms were significantly associated with CRCS. CRCS interventions in this population should focus on improving access, increasing self-efficacy and perceived norms, and decreasing negative perceptions of CRCS.

¿Por Quién Votará? Experimental evidence about language, ethnicity and vote choice (among Republicans)

In the summer of 2012, two candidates faced off for the Republican nomination to the US Senate from Texas: a Cuban-American with limited Spanish-language skills and a bilingual Anglo. How important were these counter-stereotypical language skills? Does fluency in Spanish (or the lack thereof) matter to voters? Does the degree to which language ability matters depend on the ethnicity of the candidates, or of the voters? We explore these questions with a series of randomized survey experiments: one with Republican voters in Texas just prior to the primary election, and later with three Internet experiments. We find that language ability matters. Latino voters, including Republican Latinos in Texas, reward bilingual ability. In contrast, Anglo Republican voters punish it, but not in Texas.

Manifest destiny meets inclusion: Texas nationalism at the Alamo

In San Antonio, Texas, the Alamo is an annual destination for 2.5 million visitors. From the early 1900s, the Daughters of the Republic of Texas (DRT) controlled the Alamo, with their nationalist, Anglo-centric version of the past. They allegedly ignored its previous history, erasing the Tejanos (Texas Latinos) who supported the 1836 Texas Revolution. Texas lawmakers recently voted to restrict DRT's control of the site. For tour guides, what is the Alamo's meaning? What happens as that meaning becomes more inclusive? This study documents Alamo guides' interaction with tourists, through the use of participant observation and interviews. At the Alamo, narratives now embrace Tejano heroism alongside Anglo heroism, and there is substantial inclusion of the Spanish language. Tour guides integrate political context and evidence-based history, alongside – and often in conflict with – the myth-making of the DRT. These are distinct and important adjustments, yet slavery and Alamo tourism's antagonistic past are not fully confronted. Guides wonder whether their story is simply harder to promote in the face of cultural pressures. When contested sites become more inclusive, there are unforeseen obstacles and consequences.

Religion and Selected Health Behaviors Among Latinos in Texas

Though research has shown that religion provides a protective influence with respect to a number of health-related outcomes, little work has examined its influence on patterns of alcohol (especially binge drinking) and tobacco consumption among Latinos in Texas. Thus, we used a probability sample of Texas adults to test this relationship via logistic regression. Our results revealed that clear distinctions emerge on the basis of both denomination and frequency of attendance. Specifically, Protestants who regularly attend religious services are significantly more likely to be abstainers and to have never smoked, while those with no religious affiliation exhibit relatively unfavorable risk profiles. These findings persist despite a range of socio-demographic controls. Our study supports the assertion that religion may serve as an important protective influence on risky health behaviors.

Incidence and Risk Factors for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Texas Latinos: Implications for Prevention Research

BackgroundHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is increasing in the U.S. despite a decline in cancer overall. Latinos have higher rates of HCC than the general population according to the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program. Not included in SEER, Texas Latinos make up one-fifth of the U.S. Latino population. To determine whether HCC incidence differs among U.S. and Texas Latinos, this descriptive study compares HCC incidence from 1995 through 2006 among three Latino populations: U.S. SEER, Texas overall and a South Texas subset. To identify lines of prevention research, we compare prevalence of known HCC risk factors among these Latino groups.MethodsData were collected from the U.S. SEER Program, Texas Cancer Registry and Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS). Annual age-specific and age-adjusted HCC incidence rates, annual percent changes (APCs) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated as well as prevalence of obesity, diabetes, heavy alcohol use and cigarette smoking.ResultsOf the three Latino groups compared, South Texas Latinos had the highest age-adjusted HCC incidence rates and SEER Latinos had the lowest (10.6/100,000 (10.1–11.1) and 7.5/100,000 (7.2–7.7), respectively). HCC incidence significantly increased over time (APCs>0) among Latinos in all three geographic groups. Between 1995 and 2006, there was an increase in obesity among all three populations, and obesity was highest among South Texas Latinos. Diabetes increased among U.S. Latinos, and Latino women in South Texas had significantly higher diabetes prevalence than U.S. Latino women. Cigarette smoking and heavy alcohol use were similar among groups.ConclusionsThe incidence of HCC among Latinos in South Texas is higher than elsewhere in the United States. Higher rates of HCC among Texas and South Texas Latinos may be associated with greater prevalence of obesity and diabetes, risk factors for HCC that are amenable to intervention.

Abstract 3595: Hepatocellular carcinoma and diabetes among Latinos: Implications for prevention

Abstract Introduction. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has increased in the U.S. from 1975-2006 while overall cancer has declined. Moreover, HCC among South Texas Latinos is higher than other U.S. Latinos. In recent years a number of risk factors have been associated with HCC including hepatitis-C virus infection, heavy alcohol use, obesity, diabetes and others. Of these, only diabetes exhibits characteristics which make it a candidate for why HCC is increasing in the U.S. Latino population and increasingly higher among South Texas Latinos. This study compares incidence rates of HCC and prevalence rates of diabetes among U.S. Latinos and South Texas Latinos. We hypothesize that these data implicate diabetes in HCC and suggest a clear path to informed HCC prevention. Methods. Data from the U.S. SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results) Program, Texas Cancer Registry, and the Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) were obtained. Age-adjusted HCC incidence rates were calculated using SEER*Stat and SPSS software and aggregated over 3-year periods. Likewise, annual prevalence of diabetes was calculated and aggregated over the same periods. For each measure values for the mutually exclusive U.S. and South Texas populations were compared. Trend slopes for both HCC and diabetes were calculated and displayed graphically. Group differences were assessed at p < .05 if confidence intervals did not overlap. Results. U.S. (SEER) Latino HCC incidence averaged 6.1/100,000 during 1995-1997 and increased to 8.0 during 2004-2006 (slope m = 0.455). South Texas Latino rates averaged 9.2 and 11.7 during the same periods (slope m = 0.625) (incidence rate difference, p < .05). Simultaneously, the prevalence rate of diabetes was 5.9% and 7.7% among U.S. SEER Latinos (slope m = 0.450) and 7.6% and 9.6% among South Texas Latinos (slope m = 0.500) (prevalence rate difference, p < .05). Although slope differences could not be calculated, they indicate a greater rate of increase among South Texas Latinos than U.S. SEER Latinos. Conclusion. Our findings support observations that HCC and diabetes are increasing in the United States. We have described an important relationship between increasing rates of HCC and diabetes in the U.S. SEER and South Texas Latino populations. We suggest this relationship may explain higher rates of HCC among Latinos. There is a need to focus HCC etiological research to account for this relationship while simultaneously on other attributable risks for the disease as well as genetic, cultural and socioeconomic predisposing features. We note that diabetes is preventable or treatable. The potential contribution of this research can firmly establish associations and inform HCC prevention. Acknowledgements. The San Antonio Cancer Institute, San Antonio, Texas (P30-CA54174) and the National Cancer Institute, Redes En Acción (U01-CA86117). Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3595. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-3595

When Promotoras and Technology Meet

Computer-based multimedia technologies can be used to tailor health messages, but promotoras (Spanish-speaking community health workers) rarely use these tools. Promotoras delivered health messages about colorectal cancer screening to medically underserved Latinos in South Texas using two small media formats: a "low-tech" format (flipchart and video) and a "high-tech" format consisting of a tailored, interactive computer program delivered on a tablet computer. Using qualitative methods, the authors observed promotora training and intervention delivery and conducted interviews with five promotoras to compare and contrast program implementation of both formats. The authors discuss the ways each format aided or challenged promotoras' intervention delivery. Findings reveal that some aspects of both formats enhanced intervention delivery by tapping into Latino health communication preferences and facilitating interpersonal communication, whereas other aspects hindered intervention delivery. This study contributes to our understanding of how community health workers use low- and high-tech small media formats when delivering health messages to Latinos.