The latest studies show that Hispanic women are becoming more at risk to different types of cancers.

A new study presented this week at the American Academy of Dematology's annual meeting in San Francisco showed that Hispanic women, as well as Asian females, were experiencing higher skin cancer rates. Part of that, the study's authors contend, could be due to their inclination to sun tan; a belief that darker skin somehow protects them from harmful UV rays might also be responsible for the spikes in nonmelanoma skin cancer rates among both Latinas and Asian women.

The study involved analysis of five years and 4,000 cases of nonmelanoma skin cancers in white, Hispanic and Asian patients at the University of California, San Diego, where the data sowed that the majority of nonmelanoma skin cancers among Hispanics were happening most prevalently among women, at 66.1 percent. The study also found that Hispanic nonmelanoma skin cancer patients tended to be younger (62 years old) than Asian and white patients.

Due to the rapid growth of Latina women in the U.S. -- the female section of the Latino population expected to jump from 16.4 percent to 25.7 percent by 2050, according to calculations from the U.S. Census Bureau as presented by the nonprofit Center from American Progress -- the study's authors were compelled to take a closer look at the group.

Dr. Arisa Ortiz, assistant clinical professor of dermatology and director, laser and cosmetic dermatology, at the University of California, San Diego, said there could be a link between Hispanic females' higher skin cancer rates with their preference for indoor tanning and excessive exposure to the sun. There could also be those among said groups, Dr. Ortiz noted, that may not be as informed about measures to prevent skin cancer.

"Everyone, regardless of skin color, needs to protect themselves from the sun and monitor their skin for new or changing spots," Dr. Ortiz said in a statement. "If you notice anything suspicious on your skin, see a dermatologist as soon as possible."

The Academy advised everyone to do regular skin self-exams, avoiding indoor tanning devices and, if any spots or changes on the skin occur, to check with a board-certified dermatologist for further consultation.

However, for minority women among the black and Latino demographics, it appears that these women are less likely than their Caucasian counterparts to be involved in their choice of surgeon or hospital care. A new study released Friday from JAMA Oncology took a closer look at the differences between different racial groups of women when it comes to picking surgeons and doctors involved in breast cancer treatment.

The study, which had 136 Latina participants among a pool of 500 women -- 89 of Hispanic women who spoke mainly English while 47 of them spoke mainly Spanish -- found that Hispanic and black women were more likely to rely on referrals from other doctors in picking surgeons than by reputation and health plans.

When it came to picking hospitals at which to be treated, the pattern continues, with 23 percent of while women picking a hospital by reputation, while only 15 percent of Hispanic women and seven percent of black women could claim likewise.