The U.S. has seen decreases in cancer death rates overall, but there is a slower rate of reduction among rural residents. While overall cancer incidence is lower in rural areas than it is in urban areas, the incidence of cancers that can be mitigated by prevention efforts have tended to be higher in rural areas. Rural residents are also at higher risk of cancer-related deaths than their urban counterparts. This discrepancy between urban and rural cancer-related death rates has grown wider over time. Cancer control has been a point of focus for many health care professionals, health organizations, public health experts, and other stakeholders interested in improving cancer outcomes in the U.S.

Through key informant interviews, this project will provide critical insight into how information and conversations about disparities in cancer incidence, care and mortality across federal agencies informed the National Institutes of Health's decision to support a targeted pitch for rural cancer control support through the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The project will also examine the way in which NCI's funding mechanism and deliverables were structured and disseminated, and thoughts on how these efforts will be sustained.