Rural Cancer Care in Upstate New York: Study Highlights Challenges and Potential Solutions for Treatment
In a recent study published in BMC Cancer, the Wilmot Cancer Institute has highlighted the unique challenges faced by rural cancer patients, particularly those in the farming community, in the 27-county region they serve. The research, conducted over several months, aimed to increase awareness of survivorship needs from the patients' perspective and address the needs of older adults in rural areas who are often underserved in cancer care.
One of the primary findings of the study was the impact of limited transportation options on rural patients. With a lack of public transit and the high cost, time, and logistics of travel, many patients face significant barriers in reaching cancer treatment centres, often requiring lengthy journeys. This issue was compounded by the fact that many rural patients must rely on others for rides to appointments, adding an extra layer of complexity to their already challenging situations.
Another challenge identified was the farm-related responsibilities that many rural cancer patients must balance alongside their treatment. The physical demands of farm work and agricultural duties can compete with their ability to attend appointments and focus on treatment, leading to stress and time constraints. One participant expressed frustration with healing after treatment, citing the physical demands of farm work as a hindrance to recovery.
The study also found a general lack of communication about survivorship with the care team, leaving patients feeling uninformed about their post-treatment care. This gap in communication is particularly concerning given that the majority of cancer survivors are 65 or older, with an estimated 50% being 75 or older by 2040. Many older adults struggle to care for themselves at home, and the study revealed that older adults with cancer often have additional health issues such as high blood pressure, arthritis, heart disease, and cognitive issues.
To address these challenges, the study suggests that healthcare providers should consider the particular needs of rural, older adults and educate them on survivorship care. This could include patient transportation programs, flexible scheduling, and tailored support systems to alleviate these burdens for rural cancer patients.
The largest number of Wilmot's rural patients reside in Livingston and Steuben counties, with more than 34% of patients seeking care at Wilmot being rural residents in 2023. Encouragingly, the study found that older adults in rural areas are willing to participate in Wilmot clinical trials, demonstrating a desire for improved cancer care options in their communities.
Dr. Jason Zittel, a Wilmot oncologist, emphasised the importance of continuing care for patients beyond the end of treatment. "We must ensure that our rural patients have access to the resources they need to manage their health long-term," he said. "This study is a crucial step in understanding the unique challenges faced by rural cancer patients and developing strategies to address these issues."
- The study published in BMC Cancer revealed the vital role of science in addressing the unique challenges faced by rural cancer patients, especially those in the farming community.
- One of the key issues identified was the limited transportation options for rural patients, making it difficult for them to reach cancer treatment centers.
- The study highlighted the stress and time constraints rural cancer patients experience due to balancing farm-related responsibilities with treatment, resulting in a hindrance to recovery.
- A significant concern uncovered was the lack of communication about survivorship with the care team, leaving many patients uninformed about their post-treatment care, particularly older adults in rural areas.
- To tackle these challenges, the study suggested healthcare providers should cater to the specific needs of rural, older adults, providing them with patient transportation programs, flexible scheduling, and tailored support systems.
- The study also found a strong willingness among older adults in rural areas to participate in Wilmot Clinical Trials, showing their desire for improved cancer care options.
- Furthermore, therapies and treatments focused on workplace-wellness, mental-health, men's health, women's health, skin-care, chronic diseases, cancer, health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and aging could be beneficial in addressing these challenges.
- The importance of continuous care for patients beyond the end of treatment was emphasized by Dr. Jason Zittel, a Wilmot oncologist, stressing the need for rural patients to have access to resources for managing their long-term health.
