The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology is stressing the importance of cervical cancer exams for Latinas, since this is the group of women who have the higher rates of cervical cancer, and the yearly exams are very essential for every woman’s health.

Obviously this is not a problem that only affects Latinas, and being that we are in the month for breast cancer awareness, an exam for cervical cancer might not be a bad idea either, as a matter of fact there are a lot of clinics who offer a free checkup.

Some Latinas refrain from seeking medical attention due to issues with income, lack of health insurance and immigration status.

Thanks to some medical reforms, Latinas now have access to medical services to take care of these health needs, and not only that but also there are several health fairs that are held, like the one a few days ago where they offered free breast and pap smear exams.

Latinas have the highest cervical cancer rate, poor health, and also the second highest mortality rate.

The National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health has always supported and promoted the healthcare of Latina women, which also has created several programs with recommendations that Latinas can take to better their health, and this organization has also been supporters of initiatives to give Latinas more rights to better healthcare.

Some of these initiatives have been to have the HPV shot available to both men and women who do not have any medical insurance, especially those who are older than 21 years of age who cannot get the shot with any public aid. Also have Medicaid available for those without the 5 year prohibition of public medical services because of their immigration status, and Provide ongoing support to community health centers, including measures to ensure timely compensation because many Latinas rely on primary care, and finally promoted for the approval of the Law on Health Equality and Accountability.

Recent studies show that among all women, lesbian women were less likely to get tested and that Latinas are more prone to receive bias treatment by health care professionals, and have more difficulty on receiving better quality services that also have to do with pregnancy.

The National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health is the only organization working for health and reproductive justice for 20 million Latinas, including for their families and communities in the United States through public education, community mobilization, and policy advocacy.

Joy.Ruvalcaba@sandiegored.com

Translation : Omar.Martinez@sandiegored.com