Project Summary/Abstract
The Institute for Health Promotion Research (IHPR) and the Mays Cancer Center, an NCI-designated cancer
center at UT Health San Antonio, partner closely to investigate causes of and solutions to the unequal impact
of cancer and chronic disease among Latinos in South Texas, the nation, and globally. Although there has
been substantial progress in cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment over the past several
decades, progress has not kept pace among certain population regarding health disparities, such as
differences in access to care, less frequent use of proven screening tests, higher rates of advanced cancer
diagnoses and higher mortality rates. Latinos are among the groups with the highest rate of new cancer cases
in the United States.
In response to these disparities, the inaugural Advancing the Science of Cancer in Latinos (ASCL) conference
was held in 2018. Feedback from the inaugural and subsequent ASCL conferences (2018, 2020, and 2022)
has been very positive and researchers have appreciated the opportunity to engage with other researchers
interested in reducing Latino cancer health disparities. There is profound power when researchers understand
Latino cultural nuances and barriers, and come together to improve Latino health outcomes.
The 2024 ASCL conference will be hosted in San Antonio, Texas between February 21-23, 2024. The goal of
the conference is to convene researchers, physicians, healthcare professionals, patient advocates, students,
and community members to engage in open dialogue to summarize research advancements, identify gaps,
and develop actionable goals to translate research into clinical best practices, effective community
interventions, and professional training programs to eliminate cancer disparities in Latinos.
To achieve this the 2024 ASCL conference will support the following aims.
1. Explore the intersection of health equity and biology on cancer control, prevention, and treatment.
2. Promote collaborations among attendees to address cancer health disparities among Latinos.