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WASHINGTON — Cancer remains the leading cause of death for Hispanic and Latino people in the United States, and Latino children face disproportionately higher rates of childhood leukemia than any other ethnic group. During Blood Cancer Awareness Month (September), global health organizations are directing new attention toward a demographic long overlooked in cancer outreach: Hispanic and Latino families across the U.S.
This year’s campaign underscores the systemic barriers and biological factors that place Latino communities at elevated risk. Clinical data show that Hispanic children and adolescents under 20 experience the highest incidence of leukemia nationwide. Adult Hispanic patients are also diagnosed at younger ages and are more likely to develop aggressive forms of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) compared with non‑Hispanic patients.
To address these disparities, Blood Cancer United — the leading health nonprofit formerly known as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society — is expanding its Community Links Initiative throughout September. By partnering with Spanish‑language media, local consulates, and promotores de salud, the organization aims to deliver culturally responsive cancer education directly to families. Organizers say this approach is essential: Hispanic patients frequently report unmet needs around treatment information, clinical trial access, and pain‑management guidance.
Families can access Blood Cancer United’s Spanish‑language support through multiple channels:
Online Hub — Translated guides, treatment overviews, and educational tools
Bilingual Telephone Support — Oncology social workers and nurses available at 1‑800‑955‑4572, Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–9 p.m. ET
Educational Materials — Free booklets and downloadable resources in Spanish and English
Medical research highlighted during the month also points to genetic factors that heighten risk. Recent genomic studies identify variants in genes such as IKZF1, GATA3, and ARID5B, which are more prevalent among individuals of Latino and Indigenous American ancestry and increase the likelihood of developing aggressive blood‑cell abnormalities. These biological vulnerabilities are compounded by socioeconomic barriers: Hispanic Americans have the highest uninsured rate of any racial or ethnic group, delaying early diagnosis and limiting access to specialized care.
The awareness campaign overlaps with National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15–Oct. 15), prompting expanded grassroots outreach and regional blood‑donor drives. Because lifesaving treatments like stem‑cell transplants depend on ethnically matched donors, health centers nationwide are issuing urgent appeals for Hispanic volunteers to join donor registries and participate in local drives — a critical step toward closing survival gaps and ensuring equitable care.
Blood Cancer United is an advertiser with Latino News Network — providing resources to help make a blood cancer diagnosis easier to understand and navigate.
