The Hispanic and Latino population in the United States – an estimated 63.7 million people – is exceptionally diverse, representing a number of cultures with roots in Latin America, Africa, the Caribbean, and Europe. With such a large group of people, many of the gastrointestinal (GI) diseases and conditions that affect Hispanic and Latino populations mirror the most common GI conditions in the U.S. as a whole.
It’s also important to acknowledge the challenges that disproportionately affect Hispanic and Latino populations, including problems with access to healthcare, both preventive and specialty care; language barriers; lack of health insurance; and higher poverty rates, particularly among recent immigrants. All of these can affect an individual’s GI health.
In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15), the Capital Digestive Care team is providing this quick overview to highlight challenges facing Hispanic and Latino populations in terms of GI health.
Colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer among Hispanic and Latino Americans, according to estimates by the American Cancer Society, and it is a leading cause of cancer deaths. However, Hispanic and Latino Americans have the lowest rates of colorectal cancer screening.
“The fact that Hispanic and Latino people don’t get screened for colorectal cancer as frequently as other groups is very concerning because colorectal cancer can be prevented,” says Capital Digestive Care gastroenterologist Dr. Kathryn Kirk. “Early detection through screening is very important to preventing this type of cancer. There are risk factors for colorectal cancer that are more prevalent in some Latino and Hispanic communities including diets high in red meat and processed food, and obesity.”
Getting screened for colorectal cancer (for people at average risk, it’s generally recommended at age 45) is one of the best things you can do to prevent cancer.
The gold standard screening, a colonoscopy, can both detect and prevent colorectal cancer. Not only can it detect cancer in its earlier stages, when it’s easier to treat, but it can stop cancer before it forms by removing polyps during the procedure.
Chronic liver disease
Chronic liver disease is among the top causes of death for Hispanic and Latino people in the U.S., according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health. Rates of liver disease for Hispanic and Latino people is two times as high as the rate for non-Hispanic white people. Examples of liver disease include: fatty liver disease, hepatitis, and cirrhosis of the liver.
“Fatty liver disease, which occurs when too much fat builds up in the liver, is quite common in the Latino population because of its association with obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension. These disease states are very common in the Latino population.” says Dr. Kirk.
“Unfortunately, fatty liver disease can lead to serious complications. The good news is that this condition can be managed and reversed with lifestyle changes including eating less processed foods, losing weight, exercising more, and eating more healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables,” says Dr. Kirk.
Obesity
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the obesity rate among Hispanic and Latino adults in the United States is higher than that of the non-Hispanic white adult population. Obesity is a risk factor for many GI and liver diseases – in fact, according to Medscape, compared to a person of normal weight, a person with obesity is two to three times more likely to have many of the most common GI diseases. Obesity is also a risk factor for colon cancer.
GI conditions common among all Americans
Because Hispanic and Latino Americans make up nearly 20 percent of the total U.S. population, Hispanic and Latino people face the same common GI conditions as the overall population, such as:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Gallbladder disease and gallstones
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
Capital Digestive Care’s expert gastroenterologists can help screen for, diagnose, manage, and treat a range of GI conditions. We’re committed to providing high quality expert care to all members of our community. Schedule an appointment with one of our expert providers today.