Hispanic and Latino cancer survivors are at higher risk for cardiometabolic comorbidities, which may lead to worse health-related quality of life and unmet supportive care needs, according to a new study.
The research, conducted by Patricia Moreno and colleagues at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, examined 288 Hispanic/Latino cancer survivors with an average age of 56. The study found that these survivors were more likely to have conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity compared to the general population.
“Hispanic and Latino individuals in the United States are more likely to have cardiometabolic conditions,” Moreno explained. “It adds a layer of complexity in terms of managing your cancer treatment and then managing your health after cancer treatment.”
The study revealed that survivors with cardiometabolic comorbidities had lower overall emotional and physical well-being. Those with incomes below $25,000 were more likely to have one or more cardiometabolic conditions.
Moreno highlighted the role of socioeconomic factors in these disparities. “Hispanic and Latino [individuals], in general in the United States, are more likely to live below the federal poverty line,” she said. “They’re more likely to live in neighborhoods that lack recreational facilities or safe outdoor spaces, [where there may] even be food deserts.”
The research also found that while survivors attempted to manage stress and eat healthier, they were not more likely to increase exercise, lose weight, or abstain from alcohol after cancer treatment.
Moreno emphasized the need for community-level changes to support heart-healthy behaviors among Hispanic and Latino cancer survivors, stating, “It’s not just about one person’s will — it’s about the environment that they live in that can determine their health.”
See “Hispanic/Latino Survivors May Be Higher Risk for Cardiometabolic Comorbidities” (February 27, 2024)
