I am a first-generation college attendee, and I am currently pursuing my Masters in Public Health at California State University, Los Angeles. I am also doing an experiential public health internship at MiOra non-profit on women’s cancers.

Women of color face daily obstacles in their lives, and for many, their health is not a priority. As a woman of color, I have seen this firsthand. Growing up, my mother always put my brother’s and my health before hers, and this is the reality for many women of color. This ideology may be due to a lack of education, resources, or assistance; but whatever the reason may be, there is an undeniable disconnect when it comes to providing healthcare within these communities that must be addressed.

Researching Disparities in Women’s Cancers

During my internship at MiOra, I read research papers on the disparities that women of color experience in the diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of women’s cancers. I learned that socio-economic status, education level, and health insurance coverage play significant roles on the long-term health outcomes in urban communities like Los Angeles. I also learned that early diagnosis is important and that genes play role in cancers and some people are at higher risk. I learned that for many reasons, women of color are at higher risk for cancer death, yet they do not participate in clinical trials which would provide information on the most effective and safe treatments for this population.

MiOra is aware of the disparities these communities face and their main priority is to reach these communities by providing education on the disease and providing the community with resources where individuals can receive care and assistance. Through education, the goal is to shift the community’s mindset and decrease the fear or distrust that they may feel when seeking healthcare. MiOra offers educational tools to community members with the hope that any information they learn will apply to themselves and their loved ones. Hopefully, this will lead to an increase in knowledge on women’s cancers and a decrease in the disparities these communities face when it comes to care. To do this, MiOra has provided interns like me the opportunity to learn and work hands-on within these communities. To date, this experience has been truly rewarding and I acknowledge it will provide me with the opportunity for growth in the public health sector.

My main goal is, with the knowledge and tools I have gained, to educate many communities within Los Angeles and to contribute to improving the communities’ quality of life through a better understanding of the diseases that they face.

Irma Rivas is a Master of Public Health Student at California State University, Los Angeles