Overview
The UTMB CPHHD was built on a foundation of two groups of investigators conducting separate but related research:
- population-based studies of cancer and cancer outcomes, focusing on disparities in diagnosis, treatment and outcomes associated with advanced age, minority ethnicity or rural residence.
- population-based longitudinal studies of the health of Hispanic populations, assessing predictors of continued health and functional independence in older Hispanics
We use those two strengths to conduct population-based studies of cancer treatments and treatment outcomes, especially toxicity from treatment, focusing on ethnic differences. We also systematically investigate mechanisms operable in the so-called "Hispanic paradox" -- the finding that the health of many Hispanic populations in the U.S. is similar to that of non-Hispanic whites, even though those Hispanic populations are clearly disadvantaged in terms of income, health insurance, housing, education and other factors that correlate strongly with health.
