Latinas and Breast Cancer in the Midwest: Factors Influencing Survivorship

Latinos are the largest ethnic minority group in the U.S. and the Midwest is experiencing the fastest growth in residents of Hispanic descent. Rural health care delivery systems in these areas must therefore respond to changing demographics and provide culturally appropriate service delivery. The incidence rate of breast cancer among Latinas is lower than that among non-Hispanic women; however an increasing number of Latinas are being diagnosed with breast cancer. Despite higher mortality rates from cancer than non-Hispanic women, more Latinas are being treated for breast cancer and are now facing their own unique survivorship experiences This paper addresses factors that may influence Latinas\u27 breast cancer survivorship in the Midwest (e.g., risk factors such as biology, lifestyle, culturally mediated health beliefs; access to necessary cancer care in rural areas) and survey research on survivorship experiences in cultural contexts. Essential areas for future research are identified