Delays in Colorectal Cancer Screening for Latino Patients: The Role of Immigrant Healthcare in Stemming the Rising Global Incidence of Colorectal Cancer

Abstract

The significant global burden of colorectal cancer accentuates disparities in access to preventive healthcare in most low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) as well as large sections of underserved populations within high-income countries. The barriers to colorectal cancer screening in economically transitioning Latin America are multiple. At the same time, immigration from these countries to the USA continues to increase. This case highlights the delays in diagnosis experienced by a recent immigrant from a country with no established colorectal cancer screening program, to an immigrant population in the USA with similar poor screening coverage. We discuss common challenges faced by Latinos in their home countries and the USA, as well as strategies that could be implemented to improve screening coverage in US immigrant populations.

Keywords: Cancer prevention; Colorectal cancer; Colorectal health; Healthcare disparities; Immigrant healthcare; Latino patients; Rising global incidence; Screening delays.

Figure 1

The examined portion of the ileum looks normal. One 2 mm polyp in the transverse colon. Obstructing tumor in the rectum malignant-appearing. A biopsy from a colorectal lesion was taken confirming adenocarcinoma. Figure created by the first author Eleazar Montalvan-Sanchez.

Figure 2

Barriers to screening for colorectal cancer encountered by the immigrant population when moving to the USA. Figure created by the first author Eleazar Montalvan-Sanchez.

Figure 3

Model to increase uptake of colorectal cancer screening in immigrants. Figure created by the first author Eleazar Montalvan-Sanchez.