Media Campaign Targets Hispanic Women For Health Care Prevention

Main Category: Women's Health / Gynecology
Article Date: 14 May 2008 - 7:00 PDT

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The Washington Post on Tuesday profiled American Cancer Society President Elmer Huerta, who uses Spanish-language television and radio to encourage Hispanic women in the U.S. to seek preventive health care. Since 1994, Huerta has starred in the national weekly television program "Hablemos de Salud," or "Let's Talk About Health," which focuses on disease prevention. Huerta, who created the television show, also voices radio spots called "Cuidando Su Salud," or "Taking Care of Your Health," which air daily on more than 120 stations in the U.S. and more than 350 in Latin America. He also hosts a syndicated radio show called "Cita Con el Doctor," or "Appointment With the Doctor."

A recent survey found that about 70% of patients at the Cancer Preventorium -- a clinic at the Washington, D.C.-based Washington Hospital Center that focuses on care for low-income, Hispanic women -- learned about the center from Huerta's programs, So Young Pak, WHS spokesperson said. Since its opening in 1994, the center has treated almost 15,400 women and 6,000 men, leading to 71 diagnosed cancers (Moreno, Washington Post, 5/13).

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