Learning How Language Saves Lives

Imagine yourself or a loved one being diagnosed with cancer by a doctor who doesn't speak your language. How do you understand what's happening, what treatment options are, or how to make informed health care decisions? Before Dr. Jenny Ruiz became a pediatric oncologist, her first experience with kids and cancer came when a younger cousin was diagnosed with leukemia. Dr. Ruiz became a translator for her family, most of whom speak Spanish as a first language; her cousin's doctor spoke English. This experience showed her how life-threatening language barriers can be when patients and families with limited English proficiency must navigate cancer care. Now, the three-time Conquer Cancer grant and award recipient explores how language barriers impact survival rates in children with cancer. She tells Dr. Don Dizon why she works with young patients and how language-based research is vital to better care for all patients.