Mexican migrant men, "illegality" and cancer health disparities: No access to health allowed

Many legislative, socioeconomic and sociocultural barriers exist in providing proper cancer education and screening to underrepresented and socially marginalized ethnic/racial groups, such as Mexican migrant men. Undocumented Mexican migrants pose a more difficult situation as they are not allowed full access to medical services and adequate health education due to their undocumented or “illegal” status and identity. This underrepresented and socially marginalized group may represent one of the most underserved populations in the US impacted by cancer health disparities with little recognition of their plight. US legislation bars preventive and prophylactic health care via direct service for this population. Matters are made worse when cultural perceptions are misconstrued or devalued, thereby tailoring the available cancer health education and screening improperly. The general and most pervasive interpretation of Mexican migrant men's behavior towards cancer is understood as fatalistic, but this is a narrow view. Recent research conducted by the authors suggests that Mexican migrant men are not fatalistic in their attitude towards cancer but apathetic as they are powerless in controlling their health outcomes in the US. Culturally competent and sensitive social assessments must be used in understanding the underlying behavioral attitudes towards cancer. This presentation will focus on efforts that are currently being undertaken by the Center for Equal Health, a partnership between the University of South Florida, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and the Tampa Bay Community to create sustainable programs focused on alleviating cancer health disparities affecting Mexican migrant men and other underrepresented groups.