Cancer and Cultural Humility

Did you know that almost 40% of the American population consists of ethnic and racial minorities? Despite progress in overall national health, certain groups still face disparities in cancer incidence and mortality rates. This includes African Americans, Latino/Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Asian Americans, Alaska Natives, and Pacific Islanders in the United States.

For example, it is alarming to note that Black individuals had the highest cancer death rates in 2018, despite seeing a decrease in overall cancer incidence rates from 2013 to 2018. This shows that there's still much work to be done in ensuring equal access to cancer prevention, detection, and treatment regardless of race, ethnicity, income, or location.

Healthcare organizations can improve access to care by educating providers on ethnic and racial minorities and setting up community clinics in low-income and rural areas. However, we as individuals can also make a difference. It starts with learning about and educating ourselves on "cultural humility.” Cultural humility is the ability to remain open to another person’s cultural background, beliefs, values, and traditions.  These can, in fact, impact how they make decisions about their healthcare.

Every culture has its own unique beliefs and values that shape the way they approach illness and cancer treatment. In certain Asian countries, for instance, supernatural or spiritual causes are often attributed to illness, such as curses, sorcery, or not observing religious practices. It's also not uncommon for Native Americans and Alaskan Natives to prioritize the health and well-being of others over their own, making self-cancer care a difficult decision. African Americans, on the other hand, have a history of racism, discrimination, and limited access to quality healthcare. As a result, many believe that quality cancer care and survival rates are unlikely. Finally, in Turkish culture, cancer care is a family affair. The entire family comes together to face the situation as one, and they all expect to be included in all office visits and treatments.

That tight-knit family culture describes Leo Cancer Care. While we are a medical device company, we are also profoundly aware of the impact a cancer diagnosis can have on a person’s life. We recognize the social stigma and shame often associated with certain belief systems, and we want to help patients navigate some of those difficult waters. Patients can learn, ask questions, and with the help of their cancer care team, make their own best decisions. We at Leo Cancer Care are dedicated to empowering our patients, giving them the comfort and support they need to feel fully human.

PLEASE NOTE: The Leo Cancer Care technology is not currently available to treat patients and is in the process of gaining regulatory approval.