It takes a community to address cancer disparities among underserved minority p...(lth Research at Tennessee State Universi...),Health

Since 1990, the Nashville Hispanic population has grown from a mere handful to nearly 40,000 people, according to census data, but the real figure might be higher, says Hull. Over the last 15 years or so, many smaller cities and rural communities across the interior of the United States have seen a similar growth of Hispanic immigrants moving from the states with traditionally larger Hispanic populations, Hull said. Our survey, and the participatory methods we use, could help inform these new growth communities about their blossoming Hispanic populations. Statistics on the health of Hispanic immigrants in Tennessee practically do not exist, which is especially worrisome given the lack of health insurance among this population.

The survey was conducted by the Cancer Outreach Core of the Cancer Disparities Partnership, collaboration between Meharry Medical College, Vanderbilt University, and Tennessee State University, with funding from the National Cancer Institute.

According to the American Cancer Society, Hispanics, in general, face lower rates of cancer than Caucasians, but higher rates for certain types of cancer, such as cervical, stomach, liver and leukemia. Hispanics also have lower survival rates for most cancers. However, cancer rates may differ according to a persons country of origin, Hull says.

Hull and her colleagues began a community-based participatory approach to survey the needs of the Hispanic population by partnering with the Progreso Community Center a grassroots Hispanic community organization and the Nashville Latino Health Coalition. Together, they trained Hispanic community members and
'/>"/>