Breast Cancer Health Disparities in Hispanics/Latinas

Breast cancer incidence and mortality rates are lower in some Hispanic/Latino subpopulations compared with non-Hispanic White women. However, studies suggest that the risk of breast cancer–specific mortality is higher in USA Hispanics/Latinas. In this review we summarized current knowledge on factors associated with breast cancer incidence and risk of mortality in women of Hispanic/Latino origin. Associative studies have proposed a multiplicity of factors likely contributing to differences in breast cancer incidence and survival between population groups, including socioeconomic/sociodemographic factors and lifestyle choices as well as access to and quality of care. Reports of association between global genetic ancestry overall as well as subtype-specific breast cancer risk among Hispanic/Latinas suggest that incidence and subtype distribution could result from differential exposure to environmental and lifestyle-related factors correlated with genetic ancestry as well as germline genetic variation. Hispanic/Latinos in the USA have been largely underrepresented in cancer research. It is important to implement inclusive programs that facilitate the access of this population to health services and that also include education programs for the community on the importance of screening. In addition, it is important to continue promoting the inclusion of Hispanics/Latinos in genomic studies that allow understanding the biological behavior of this disease in the context of all human genetic diversity.