Conference Abstracts - Summit on Cancer Health Disparities (SCHD26)
Vol. 6, Issue Supplement 1, 2026 · S1-2
Sumaq Vida: A Comprehensive Cancer Program to Reduce Disparities in an Andean Quechua-speaking Community
Gustavo Sandival-Ampuero, MD,Jessica Meza-Liviapoma, MD,Bryan S Valcarcel, MD, MPH,Daniel Enriquez-Vera, MD, PhD
Submission received: 2025-12-15 / Accepted: 2026-01-08 / Published: 2026-01-28
Background
In the heart of the Peruvian Andes lies Apurimac, an ancient region of profound contrasts. Despite significant mineral wealth, Apurimac remains one of the most underserved regions. The region bears a disproportionate burden of infection-related malignancies, with high prevalence of oncogenic viruses such as hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1). Moreover, 78% of residents speak Quechua as their primary language. We aimed to implement a comprehensive cancer program using community-based intervention, culturally-adapted health literacy, and point-of-care technologies.
Methods
Since 2022, we have established the first bilingual, culturally-adapted oncology program at Hospital Regional Guillermo Díaz de La Vega (Apurimac, Peru). In the initial phase, we identified local health and research priorities using focus groups and community engagement strategies. Patient-reported outcomes such as satisfaction and symptom reduction were evaluated in the initial phase. All clinical instruments were adapted and validated in Quechua. Translational research capabilities and international collaborations were implemented through data sovereignty and benefit-sharing principles.
Results
The top priorities were: 1) development of a culturally-adapted palliative care unit for cancer patients; and 2) screening and early management of cancer-related viral infections. A multidisciplinary taskforce was established including: a patient advocacy group with monthly meetings; a language-concordant palliative care program; and international collaborations. Between 2022 and 2023, we enrolled 190 patients with symptomatic newly diagnosed advanced malignancies. The cohort had a median age of 63 years (range: 18–94), with 59% female predominance. High satisfaction levels were achieved in 55% of patients, with no statistical differences by primary language (p=0.69). Notably, significant symptom reduction was observed in both global and disease-specific measures, with pronounced improvements in Quechua-speaking women with breast cancer.
Conclusion
We demonstrated the feasibility and sustainability of this approach. Our next phase includes the implementation of point-of-care technologies for screening of prevalent infections.