Hispanics screening for skin cancer less than others - Hispanic ...

Only one in 14 Hispanic adults nationwide have been screened for skin cancer, despite the disease's tendency to be more virulent in this population, according to a report released Monday.

Researchers at The Cancer Institute of New Jersey, who compiled the study, said the lack of screening can be attributed to a lack of medical insurance, less access to health care and other socioeconomic factors.

"The findings show there is a need to develop interventions to promote skin examinations among Hispanics at risk for skin cancer," said a written statement from the institute, a part of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

Hispanics tend to be diagnosed with a thicker, more advanced melanoma, the deadliest of all skin cancers.

Full body examinations may help discover melanomas before they reach such advanced stages that result in poor prognosis, the study states.

The report also showed that screening rates among Hispanics varied significantly by national origin. Six percent of Mexicans and Dominican Republicans go for screening, while those from Cuba or Puerto Rico have 10 percent screening rates.

"It is of concern that Hispanic individuals with a language barrier, lower level of education and lack of access to health care had especially low screening rates. While additional research is needed, it is clear from this study that this population may greatly benefit from interventions that promote these screenings, particularly for individuals at risk for skin cancer," said Elliot J. Coups, the lead author of the study and a behavioral scientist at the institute.?READ MORE

tyler perry whitney houston r kelly r. kelly macular degeneration whitney houston funeral judi dench alicia keys