En Voz Alta: Latino Perspectives on Rectal Cancer Care

Introduction: Colorectal cancer is the second-most common cancer among Hispanic/Latinos (HL) in the US. Despite improving mortality rates, HL adults are diagnosed at later stages and experience worse quality of life compared to their non-HL White counterparts. Culturally tailored navigation programs show promise in addressing these challenges. This study explores rectal cancer care experiences among HL patients and caregivers to inform future navigation programs.  

Methods: We conducted a community-partnered qualitative study involving HL rectal cancer patients in the Bay Area and San Joaquin Valley. Working with a Community Advisory Board, we developed a semi-structured interview guide covering treatment experiences, health beliefs, patient-provider dynamics, support networks, and access to care. We identified participants through flyers and outreach by promotoras—health navigators with ties to the HL community. Interviews lasted 45-60 minutes in English or Spanish. Data analysis utilized grounded theory and reflexive thematic analysis to identify core themes.

Results: Over six months, we interviewed 18 patients and 6 caregivers. Participants stressed the importance of supportive connections with providers in overcoming language and health literacy challenges. High-performing providers, through empathetic communication, engendered trust, hope, and belonging. Family, faith, and community emerged as crucial non-provider resources in overcoming prevalent treatment obstacles, including emotional distress, transportation issues, and financial constraints. 

Conclusion: Our study highlights the importance of fostering supportive patient-provider relationships, particularly for those lacking traditional support networks. Given these findings, promotora-based interventions are poised to bridge the cultural and linguistic gap between HL patients and providers, facilitating supportive relationships and enhancing treatment experience and quality.