About Cancer Research in Latin America

NCI's Vision for Cancer Research in Latin America

To advance local and global initiatives to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer by facilitating the development of a comprehensive cancer research infrastructure in Latin America.

NCI's Mission for Cancer Research in Latin America

NCI's Center for Global Health (CGH) is dedicated to accelerating worldwide progress against cancer by:

• Cultivating international partnerships
• Promoting the development of research programs
• Facilitating the NCI’s research activities in Latin America

Addressing the cancer burden in the United States requires a comprehensive examination of its effects on all population groups – including the U.S. Hispanic and Latin American populations. Understanding cancer patterns in Latin American countries can help researchers and physicians accelerate progress against cancer in the United States and in Latin America. CGH is committed to responding to the need and opportunity for cancer research in Latin America. CGH coordinates and facilitates NCI’s international research activities in Latin America through collaborations with Latin American national health and science & technology ministries, research institutions, and universities.

The Growing U.S. Hispanic Population and Cancer Burden

The Hispanic population in the United States is growing and is expected to make up 29% of the total U.S. population by 2050. With this growing population comes a unique cancer burden that is important to address as part of NCI’s efforts to improve cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Approximately 100,000 new cancer cases were diagnosed among U.S. Hispanics in 2009, with prostate cancer being the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men and breast cancer the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women. While cancer incidence and death rates are lower among U.S. Hispanics compared to non-Hispanic whites, research shows that overall cancer mortality rates among Hispanics are 22% higher among those born in the United States compared with those who were foreign born.¹ That is why it is critical that CGH continues to develop partnerships and undertake research activities that will help better address this need.

NCI's Objectives for Cancer Research in Latin America

• To develop a comprehensive understanding of the status of the disease burden and cancer research and care infrastructure in Latin America
• To promote and leverage partnerships to conduct basic and clinical cancer research in the region
• To build collaborative relationships that enable co-development and in-country sustainability of high quality cancer research

These endeavors will provide new insights into cancer trends, foster collaborations, and advance science by supporting research projects based on common interests and mutual respect.