Through our Gilda Comes to You (GCTY) program, we have partnered with major medical cancer centers in NYC in order to reach and provide cancer support to underserved and uninsured populations, including Latinos.
One study found that Hispanics/Latinos were more likely to report poor mental, physical, and social quality of life when compared with Caucasians and African Americans (Yanez et al, 2011), as well as lower perceived social support, high levels of uncertainty (Sammarco & Konecny, 2010), and higher levels of depression (Ashing-Giwa et al., 2013). Hispanic/Latino cancer survivors had the highest level of unmet supportive care needs (informational, practical, support, and spiritual) when compared with African Americans and Caucasians (Moadel, Morgan, et al., 2007).
In order to reach more Latinos living with cancer, we have incorporated Spanish-bilingual GCNYC Patient Navigators at our GCTY partner sites. In addition, we have developed culturally sensitive and competent programming to meet the needs of this emerging population, which now represents 20% of the members we serve.
For more information about our programs offered in Spanish, please contact Fran Castellanos-Ross.