Hispanics are more likely to suffer from chronic health conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes when compared to non-Hispanic Whites, but they are less likely to receive regular, continuous care to combat their serious health conditions. Unfortunately, many Hispanic families do not have access to a regular doctor to help treat or maintain their medical conditions. Many Hispanics are forced to rely heavily on emergency hospital care or public clinics as their primary source of care.
As a result of lack of continual care and issues related to being uninsured, many Hispanics are not given the opportunity to practice preventative care. In the end, many Hispanics will suffer from major complications due to their chronic disease. In addition, Hispanics are unlikely to participate in or receive the benefits of preventive programs such as cancer screenings and smoking cessation.
Major Health Disparities
- Cancer Screening and Management
- Immunization
- Diabetes
- Infant Mortality
- Cardiovascular Disease
- HIV/AIDS
- Smoking Cessation
(Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)
- Heart disease is the leading cause of death for all Hispanics.
- In fact, heart disease is responsible for 24% of all Hispanic deaths.
- In addition, cancer deaths contribute to 20% of all Hispanic deaths in the U.S. Breast cancer is on the rise for Hispanic women. The incidence of breast cancer is increasing faster among Hispanic women than any other group.
- Unintentional injuries account for roughly 8% of all deaths.
- Cerebrovascular diseases account for nearly 6% of all deaths.
- Approximately 5% of Hispanic deaths are related to diabetes.
(Source: The Center for Disease Control and Prevention)
