“Not Having Family,not Having Insurance,not Having Money,Experiencing lots of Pain”: Fears About Cancer Among Older Latino Men

Abstract

Cancer among older adults is pervasive, placing excessive strain on the individual, caregivers, and wider society. Focusing on cancer among older immigrant Latino men is critical to identifying knowledge gaps, diagnosis and treatment while providing insights to improving cancer care to this growing population. As such, this article presents the multifactorial experience of fears and beliefs about cancer and cancer prevention of 57 older immigrant Latino men based on qualitative responses. From the results emerged three significant sub-themes that provided crucial insight into the thought processes that influence decision-making in regard to cancer for this population. A major concern is the financial impacts of cancer and treatment without insurance. Factors regarding their ability to continuing providing for their families if they were to undergo treatment, and their families’ future financial security once they were gone provide valuable insights to improving cancer care information among older immigrant Latino men.

Keywords

cancer hispanic/latino immigrant

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