Breast cancer is the leading cause of death among Hispanic women

PADUCAH – Cancer affects us all one way or another. Physicians and researchers advocate for prevention methods such as checkups and annual screens, but if there is a language barrier, it can be difficult to obtain appropriate health care.

A local church is working with the district health department to inform the Hispanic community of its risks.

Breast cancer rates are lower in Hispanic women than in other races, but it remains the leading cause of death among Hispanic women. Hispanic women do not receive a projection in time.

At Heartland Church, no matter what language you speak, everyone will leave with something they need.

"We have a lot of people to help," said Alberto Moran. He is the leader of Iglesia Heartland, the bilingual service of the Heartland Church.

People line up for food, clothes and furniture.

"It's amazing," Moran said. "You feel the love of God when people come and you can help them."

On the other side of the room, Jaelin Southerling, from the District Health Department, helps women get the care they need. "We are trying to raise awareness about breast cancer, especially in the Hispanic community," she said. "Often, they are not mammograms or things like that."

The health department is trying to reach as many people as possible because breast cancer is so common. The Susan G Komen Foundation says that one in eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer during her lifetime.

"Women over 40 years old, it is very important to have early detection of breast cancer," warned Mr. Southerling.

Women register for free at mammograms and vaginal smears, and this next step is not a statistic.

Heartland Church says they're doing different programs to help people in our area every two weeks. People are allowed to pick up clothes and furniture every three months.

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