Ashley Sanchez, M.P.H., a Ph.D. student in the Department of Public Health Sciences at the Miller School of Medicine, received a Top Five Poster Award at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center Annual Cancer Research Poster Session for her presentation, “Exploring the Psychosocial Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Latina Breast and Gynecologic Cancer Survivors: A Qualitative Analysis.”
Sanchez’s research explored how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the psychological well-being, cultural connections and survivorship experiences of Latina breast and gynecologic cancer survivors. The study analyzed interviews conducted with 17 Latina cancer survivors who participated in Avanzando Juntas, a bilingual and bicultural weight-loss intervention designed for Hispanic and Latina cancer survivors.
“My mom is a Latina breast cancer survivor, so her cancer journey and experiences navigating cancer survivorship inspired my interest in this topic,” said Sanchez. “I first became interested in this research as an undergraduate student at the Medical College of Wisconsin, where I had the opportunity to explore public health research while incorporating my mother’s experiences into my developing research interests.”
“I am extraordinarily proud of Ashley and this recognition of her research with Latina women diagnosed with breast and gynecologic cancers," said Patricia Moreno, Ph.D., associate professor of public health sciences at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and lead of the Evidence-Based Survivorship and Supportive Care Program at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.
"Ashley exemplifies the very best of our Ph.D. program in Prevention Science and Community Health. She is thoughtful, hardworking and deeply committed to improving the lives of people affected by cancer,” Dr. Moreno added.
Despite experiencing heightened psychological distress and pandemic-related hardships, Latina breast and gynecologic cancer survivors remain an understudied population.
Sanchez’s research sought to better understand their lived experiences during a period marked by social isolation, health concerns and disruptions to daily life. Participants described challenges related to navigating cancer survivorship while adapting to the realities of the pandemic, including increased concerns about infection risk, interruptions to culturally important activities and heightened psychological distress.
The study found that the pandemic disrupted relationships and activities closely tied to participants’ cultural identities and traditions. Many survivors reported increased feelings of isolation and anxiety while simultaneously managing the physical and emotional effects of cancer survivorship.
“Our findings highlight the importance of developing culturally tailored mental health resources and support systems that align with the values, identities and social connections of Latina cancer survivors,” Sanchez said. “We also need more research that captures the unique experiences of underrepresented communities during times of public health crisis.”
For Sanchez, receiving the award was particularly meaningful because it recognized the importance of elevating the voices of populations that are often underrepresented in research.
“With qualitative research, we are able to center the experiences of people whose voices are not always heard,” she said. “For me, this award means that the stories these Latina cancer survivors shared were heard. It motivates me to continue growing as a researcher focused on improving the quality of life and reducing cancer disparities.”
Sanchez credits the Department of Public Health Sciences and her mentor, Patricia Moreno, Ph.D., for supporting her development as a researcher.
“Everyone in the department has been very supportive of my growth as a Ph.D. student,” Sanchez said. “My advisor, Dr. Moreno, has helped me expand my research interests and develop as a critical thinker. This project has helped shape the long-term contributions I hope to make in cancer survivorship and health disparities research.”
The research was conducted in collaboration with investigators at the Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center. The study adds to growing evidence that culturally responsive approaches are essential for supporting the mental health and well-being of cancer survivors during times of public health crisis.
Written by Deycha Torres Hernández, published June 11, 2026.
