Genetics Education and Clinical Trial Recruitment Projects

The community should be an integral part of the decision-making process regarding genetic research and genetic health care. Hispanics/Latinos comprise 13 percent of the U.S. population, or more than 35 million people. If human genetics research is to continue with broad support and input from the public, the Hispanic/Latino population cannot be ignored in genetics education and outreach efforts. This population faces common systemic and institutional barriers that may shape attitudes toward genetics and other health care policy. However, the Hispanic/Latino perspective on genetics is unknown. As scientists decipher the human genome, Hispanic/Latino views and opinions will be important to the ethical, legal, health and social implications of utilizing hereditary material.

Similarly, it is critical that all segments of society participate in cancer studies. Unfortunately, researchers have failed to reach the fastest-growing minority group in the U.S. – Hispanics/Latinos – with that message. Of all participants in National Cancer Institute cancer studies, Hispanics/Latinos represent less than 6 percent, as compared with about 85 percent representation by non-Hispanic whites. This means that ongoing cancer research does not adequately reflect the needs of this diverse population, and that many Hispanic/Latino cancer patients who could benefit from cutting-edge cancer research and treatments are missing out on opportunities available to them. Salud En Acción researchers seek to address these problems by raising awareness of cancer studies and the need for greater Hispanic/Latino participation.

Current Projects

Past Projects