Cancer: Rural Health Research Products & Journal Articles

2024

Satisfaction With Care Among Cancer Survivors With Medicare Coverage: Are There Rural vs. Urban Inequities?
Journal Article
Rural and Underserved Health Research Center
Date: 03/2024
This article examines satisfaction with health care among rural vs urban Medicare cancer survivors. Researchers looked at nine dimensions of health care and tested for rural/urban differences, adjusting for demographic factors, health insurance, and self-rated health.

2023

Colorectal Cancer Screening in Rural and Urban Primary Care Practices Amid Implementation of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act
Journal Article
Rural and Underserved Health Research Center
Date: 06/2023
This study examined whether colorectal cancer screening rates improved among rural and urban primary care practices amid implementation of the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act. Researchers tested for rural/urban differences and changes in screening rates between 2016 and 2020.
Rural Healthy People 2030: Common Challenges, Rural Nuances
Policy Brief
Southwest Rural Health Research Center
Date: 05/2023
This study analyzes the most important Healthy People 2030 priorities for rural America. Data collected from a survey found mental health, substance use, health care access, and economic stability were among the most important priorities. This information could be used to accelerate health improvements in rural America.
The COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on Independent and Provider-Based Rural Health Clinics' Operations and Cancer Prevention and Screening Provision in the United States
Journal Article
Rural and Minority Health Research Center
Date: 03/2023
The provision of Rural Health Clinic (RHC) cancer prevention and screening services was examined to identify any changes pre- and peri-pandemic. The research examined overall provision of cancer prevention and screening services by RHCs and the provision of these services by independent RHCs and by provider-based RHCs .

2022

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Rural Health Clinics' Operations and Cancer Prevention and Control Efforts
Policy Brief
Rural and Minority Health Research Center
Date: 11/2022
This study surveyed a stratified random sample of Rural Health Clinics throughout the country to examine how the pandemic has affected their overall operations and provision of cancer prevention and control services.
Rural Health Clinic Colorectal Cancer Screening Toolkit: A Toolkit for Implementing Evidence-Based Colorectal Cancer Screening Interventions in Rural Health Clinics
Rural and Minority Health Research Center
Date: 11/2022
The purpose of this project is to provide evidence-based interventions and other resources to Rural Health Clinics, throughout the United States, to improve colorectal cancer screening among their patient population.
Rural Health Clinic Colorectal Cancer Screening Toolkit: A Toolkit for Implementing Evidence-Based Colorectal Cancer Screening Interventions in South Carolina Rural Health Clinics
Rural and Minority Health Research Center
Date: 11/2022
The purpose of this project is to provide evidence-based interventions and other resources to Rural Health Clinics, throughout South Carolina, to improve colorectal cancer screening among their patient population.
The Involvement of Rural Health Clinic Practitioners in Cancer Treatment Decisions and Survivorship Care
Policy Brief
Rural and Minority Health Research Center
Date: 10/2022
This study examined Rural Health Clinics' practitioner involvement in cancer treatment decisions, management of side effects, surveillance, and survivorship care.
Availability of Hospital-Based Cancer Services Before and After Rural Hospital Closure, 2008-2017
Journal Article
Rural and Minority Health Research Center
Date: 09/2022
Using American Hospital Association survey data from 2008 to 2017, the changes in access to cancer-related screening and treatment services were examined to determine the impact of hospital closures across hospital service areas.
Comparison of Cancer Treatment Services Across Hospitals
Fact Sheet
Rural and Minority Health Research Center
Date: 05/2022
This research compared the availability of comprehensive oncology, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy in Critical Access Hospitals and non-Critical Access Hospitals.
Colorectal and Cervical Cancer Prevention in Rural Health Clinics in South Carolina
Fact Sheet
Rural and Minority Health Research Center
Date: 02/2022
This study investigated the perceptions and practices of cervical and colorectal cancer prevention in Rural Health Clinics. An online survey was administered to all Rural Health Clinics in South Carolina. Quantitative survey findings and key takeaways were reported.
Perceptions and Practices for Colorectal and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Control in Rural Health Clinics in South Carolina
Fact Sheet
Rural and Minority Health Research Center
Date: 02/2022
This study investigated the perceptions and practices for colorectal and cervical cancer prevention and control in Rural Health Clinics in South Carolina. Health practitioner interviews were used to gather qualitative data.

2021

The Association of Rurality and Breast Cancer Stage at Diagnosis: A National Study of the SEER Cancer Registry
Policy Brief
WWAMI Rural Health Research Center
Date: 10/2021
Patients from rural areas have lower breast cancer screening rates and poorer cancer outcomes than urban patients and received initial breast cancer diagnosis at a later stage compared with urban patients. Black race and being uninsured were also associated with late stage at diagnosis. Patterns have persisted and suggest areas for policy change.
Cardiovascular & Cancer Rates for the Rural Delta Region: Rural Delta Region Map Tool
North Carolina Rural Health Research and Policy Analysis Center
Date: 08/2021
The Rural Delta Region Map Tool is an interactive tool that shows 13 health measures for people in Delta Region counties/parishes. It can be used to compare rates of cancer and cardiovascular disease by county, by rural-urban status, to peer counties, to the national average, and to national quartiles.
Trends in Cancer Treatment Service Availability Across Critical Access Hospitals and Prospective Payment System Hospitals
Journal Article
Rural and Minority Health Research Center
Date: 08/2021
This study investigated trends in cancer services availability in urban and rural Prospective Payment System (PPS) hospitals and Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs). Compared with all PPS hospitals, CAHs offered fewer cancer treatment services and experienced a decline in service capability over time.
Trends in Spatial Access to Colonoscopy in South Carolina, 2000-2014
Journal Article
Rural and Minority Health Research Center
Date: 06/2021
This study looks at the availability of colonoscopy screenings in South Carolina between 2000 and 2014 with a focus on changes in spatial access for these preventive services.
Rural and Racial Disparities in Colorectal Cancer Incidence and Mortality in South Carolina, 1996 - 2016
Journal Article
Rural and Minority Health Research Center
Date: 05/2021
This study investigated how race and rurality impact colorectal cancer incidence and mortality in South Carolina.
Disparities in Meeting USPSTF Breast, Cervical, and Colorectal Cancer Screening Guidelines Among Women in the United States
Journal Article
Rural and Minority Health Research Center
Date: 04/2021
The US Preventive Services Task Force provides recommendations for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening. This manuscript examines the sociodemographic characteristics associated with women meeting these recommendations.
The Intersection of Rural Residence and Minority Race/Ethnicity in Cancer Disparities in the United States
Journal Article
Rural and Minority Health Research Center
Date: 02/2021
This manuscript summarizes how racism and social determinants of health disproportionately affect rural racial/ethnic minorities, offers a review of the cancer disparities rural racial/ethnic minorities face, and recommends policy, research, and intervention to reduce these disparities.

2020

Spatial Access to Vaccines for Children Providers in South Carolina: Implications for HPV Vaccination
Journal Article
Rural and Minority Health Research Center
Date: 12/2020
In South Carolina, rural children ages 13 to 17 years old have lower rates of HPV vaccination initiation. To better understand potential drivers of this rural-urban disparity, this study's objective was to examine spatial access to Vaccines For Children-enrolled clinics across rural and urban areas of the state.
Cervical Cancer Treatment Initiation and Survival: The Role of Residential Proximity to Cancer Care
Journal Article
Rural and Minority Health Research Center
Date: 10/2020
This study looked at the role drive time to cancer care facilities played on cancer treatment initiation and survival for cervical cancer patients.
Rural-Urban and Racial/Ethnic Trends and Disparities in Early-Onset and Average-Onset Colorectal Cancer
Journal Article
Rural and Minority Health Research Center
Date: 10/2020
The study's objective was to examine joint rural-urban differences in early onset colorectal cancer and average onset colorectal cancer incidence rates across racial/ethnic groups in the U.S.
Access to Colorectal Cancer Screening Programs for Underserved Populations in South Carolina
Fact Sheet
Rural and Minority Health Research Center
Date: 08/2020
This fact sheet identifies existing initiatives targeting colorectal cancer screening in rural South Carolina.
Cervical Cancer and HPV Vaccination Disparities in South Carolina
Fact Sheet
Rural and Minority Health Research Center
Date: 08/2020
This fact sheet identifies existing initiatives targeting cervical cancer prevention and control in rural South Carolina.
Rural and Racial Disparities In Colorectal Cancer Incidence and Mortality In South Carolina 1996 - 2016 (Fact Sheet)
Fact Sheet
Rural and Minority Health Research Center
Date: 08/2020
This fact sheet examines the burden of colorectal cancer among South Carolina residents by urban-rural status and race/ethnicity.
Expanding Access to HPV Vaccination in South Carolina Through Community Pharmacies: A Geospatial Analysis
Journal Article
Rural and Minority Health Research Center
Date: 06/2020
Human papillomavirus (HPV) rates are higher in rural areas. The uptake of HPV vaccination is lower among rural populations. Pharmacies may be ideal for improving vaccination access. Does spatial access to pharmacies among adolescents and young adults in South Carolina vary by rurality and geographic access to primary care providers?
A Bivariate Mapping Tutorial for Cancer Control Resource Allocation Decisions and Interventions
Journal Article
Rural and Minority Health Research Center
Date: 01/2020
This study demonstrates how geographic information systems software, specifically ArcGIS, can be used to develop bivariate choropleth maps to inform resource allocation and public health interventions.
Travel Grant Program 2018-2019
Fact Sheet
Rural and Minority Health Research Center
Date: 01/2020
This project promoted attendance at cancer-related meetings by Rural Health Research Centers by facilitating the dissemination of information regarding important cancer meetings and handling the travel arrangements for Rural Health Research Center personnel.

2019

Rural-Urban Differences in Financial Burden Among Cancer Survivors: An Analysis of a Nationally Representative Survey
Journal Article
Rural and Minority Health Research Center
Date: 12/2019
Rural cancer survivors may disproportionately experience financial problems due to their cancer because of greater travel costs, higher uninsured/underinsured rates, and other factors. Our objective was to examine rural-urban differences in reported financial problems due to cancer using a nationally representative survey.
Financial Hardship Among Rural Cancer Survivors: An Analysis of the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey
Journal Article
Rural and Minority Health Research Center
Date: 11/2019
This study examined contrasts in financial hardship among 1,419 rural and urban cancer survivors using the 2011 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey supplement the Effects of Cancer and Its Treatment on Finances.
Geographic Disparities in Residential Proximity to Colorectal and Cervical Cancer Care Providers
Journal Article
Rural and Minority Health Research Center
Date: 11/2019
Persistent rural‐urban disparities for colorectal and cervical cancers raise concerns regarding access to treatment providers. To the authors knowledge, little is known regarding rural‐urban differences in residential proximity to cancer specialists.
Multilevel Analysis in Rural Cancer Control: A Conceptual Framework and Methodological Implications
Journal Article
Rural and Minority Health Research Center
Date: 09/2019
Our objective was two-fold: 1) to develop a multilevel conceptual framework describing how rural residence and relevant micro, macro, and supra-macro factors can be considered in evaluating disparities across the cancer control continuum and 2) to outline the unique considerations of multilevel statistical modeling in rural cancer research.
Challenges of Using Nationally Representative, Population-Based Surveys to Assess Rural Cancer Disparities
Journal Article
Rural and Minority Health Research Center
Date: 08/2019
Population-based surveys provide important information about cancer-related health behaviors across the cancer care continuum. However, due to small rural sample sizes, varying sampling methods, and/or other study design or analytical concerns, there are challenges in using population-based surveys for rural cancer control research and practice.
Investigating the Impact of Geographic Location on Colorectal Cancer Stage at Diagnosis: A National Study of the SEER Cancer Registry
Journal Article
WWAMI Rural Health Research Center
Date: 08/2019
Access to recommended cancer screening is more difficult for rural than urban residents. As a result, rural patients may present at later stages than urban patients due to delays in detection. This study compared the adjusted rates of and late colorectal cancer staging at diagnosis between patients residing in urban and rural counties.

2018

Cancer Mortality in Rural America: 1999-2016
Policy Brief
Southwest Rural Health Research Center
Date: 11/2018
This policy brief details the differences in mortality from cancer at various levels of rurality in America. The primary aim of this study was to understand the scope of cancer mortality in urban and rural areas of the U.S. Common cancer types—breast, cervical, lung, prostate, and colon—were analyzed over an 18-year period from 1999-2016.
Individual- and County-Level Predictors of Cervical Cancer Screening: A Multi-Level Analysis
Journal Article
Southwest Rural Health Research Center
Date: 05/2018
Despite gains in cervical cancer screening, persistent socio-economic, geographical, racial, and ethnic disparities remain. The objective of this study was to examine the combined effect of individual- and county-level characteristics on the use of cervical cancer screening tests such as Papanicolaou (Pap) tests in Texas.

2017

Who Performs Colonoscopy? Workforce Trends Over Space and Time
Journal Article
Rural and Minority Health Research Center
Date: 11/2017
Using data from South Carolina from 2001-2010, this study looked at changes in the types of facilities doing colonoscopies as well as the any changes in who is performing them.
Differences in Medicare Service Use in the Last Six Months of Life Among Rural and Urban Dual – Eligible Beneficiaries
Report
Rural and Minority Health Research Center
Date: 08/2017
In this brief, we compare rural and urban dual-eligible beneficiaries to Medicare-only beneficiaries in their service utilization in the last six months of life. Within rural beneficiaries, we further explore differences associated with race/ethnicity.

2016

Colonoscopy Access and Utilization – Rural Disparities in the Carolinas, 2001-2010
Policy Brief
Rural and Minority Health Research Center
Date: 07/2016
This study aims to use data on where patients travel for their colonoscopies to determine the extent to which access is changing over space and time, and to better understand utilization patterns among rural residents of North and South Carolina between 2001 and 2010.

2014

Do Rural Patients With Early-Stage Prostate Cancer Gain Access to All Treatment Choices? (Final Report)
Report
WWAMI Rural Health Research Center
Date: 02/2014
This report compares rates of receipt of prostate cancer treatments and of the treatment options between early-stage prostate cancer patients living in urban and four levels of rural counties.

2013

Diffusion of Preventive Innovation: Racial and Rural Differences in Cervical Cancer Prevention and Control Practices
Rural and Minority Health Research Center
Date: 05/2013
This report examines differences associated with residence and race/ethnicity in receipt of cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination.
Rural Population Estimates: An Analysis of a Large Secondary Data Set
Journal Article
Rural and Minority Health Research Center
Date: 2013
Examines in the underrepresentation of rural counties in large secondary data sources, specifically the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).

2012

Receipt of Recommended Radiation Therapy Among Rural and Urban Cancer Patients (Summary)
WWAMI Rural Health Research Center
Date: 10/2012
This study examines whether rural patients with cancer are less likely than their urban counterparts to receive recommended radiation therapy. The study also identifies factors influencing rural versus urban differences in radiation therapy receipt.

2011

A Rural Socioeconomic Vulnerability and Resiliency Index and Associated Health Outcomes
Policy Brief
West Virginia Rural Health Research Center
Date: 07/2011
These analyses provide evidence to support the development of programs and policies that foster educational development, and economic diversity and vitality, as means of public health improvement, especially in rural areas in selected regions of the country.

2010

Toxics Release Inventory Discharges and Population Health Outcomes in Rural and Urban Areas of the United States (Final Report)
West Virginia Rural Health Research Center
Date: 08/2010
This report examined if chemical releases from facilities monitored in the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) program were associated with population mortality rates and birth outcomes for rural/urban populations. It also examined whether rural/urban areas with poor socioeconomic status or higher percentages of minorities had greater TRI releases.
Pollution Sources and Mortality Rates across Rural-Urban Areas in the United States
Policy Brief
West Virginia Rural Health Research Center
Date: 02/2010
Rural counties contain more than 65,000 EPA-recognized point pollution sources. A greater density of water and air pollution sources in rural counties is associated with higher cancer mortality rates, adjusting for other risks. Rural areas also experience mortality risks in association with coal mining activity.
Pollution Sources and Mortality Rates across Rural-Urban Areas in the United States (Final Report)
West Virginia Rural Health Research Center
Date: 02/2010
Rural counties contain more than 65,000 EPA-recognized point pollution sources. A greater density of water and air pollution sources in rural counties is associated with higher cancer mortality rates, adjusting for other risks. Rural areas also experience mortality risks in association with coal mining activity.

2008

Trends in Cervical and Breast Cancer Screening Practices Among Women in Rural and Urban Areas of the United States
Policy Brief
WWAMI Rural Health Research Center
Date: 08/2008
This policy brief documents the receipt of timely breast and cervical cancer screening using a rural-urban classification system and nationally representative data.
Trends in Cervical and Breast Cancer Screening Practices Among Women in Rural and Urban Areas of the United States (Final Report)
WWAMI Rural Health Research Center
Date: 08/2008
This policy brief reports on trends in breast cancer screening practices. Participation in mammography improved nationally, but women living in rural locations remained less likely to receive the test than those living in urban settings.
Access to Cancer Services for Rural Colorectal Cancer Patients
Journal Article
WWAMI Rural Health Research Center
Date: 2008
Includes findings from a study to determine how far rural and urban colorectal cancer (CRC) patients travel to three types of specialty cancer care services-surgery, medical oncology consultation, and radiation oncology consultation.

2007

Access to Cancer Services for Rural Colorectal Cancer Patients (Project Summary)
WWAMI Rural Health Research Center
Date: 10/2007
This summary provides a brief overview of findings from a study to determine how far rural and urban colorectal cancer patients travel to three types of specialty cancer care services: surgery, medical oncology consultation, and radiation oncology consultation.

2005

Explaining Black-White Differences in Receipt of Recommended Colon Cancer Treatment
Journal Article
WWAMI Rural Health Research Center
Date: 2005

Black-white disparities exist in receipt of recommended medical care, including colorectal cancer treatment. This retrospective cohort study examines the degree to which health systems (e.g., physician, hospital) factors explain black-white disparities in colon cancer care. Black and white Medicare-insured colon cancer patients have an equal opportunity to learn about adjuvant chemotherapy from a medical oncologist but do not receive chemotherapy equally. Little disparity was explained by health systems; more was explained by illness severity, social support, and environment. Further qualitative research is needed to understand the factors that influence the lower receipt of chemotherapy by black patients.

2003

Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening: Is It Reaching Rural and Rural Minority Women?
Southwest Rural Health Research Center
Date: 04/2003
This study examines whether the Texas Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program is reaching rural women in general and rural minority women in particular.
Rural Healthy People 2010: A Companion Document to Healthy People 2010. Volume 1
Southwest Rural Health Research Center
Date: 2003
This report offers brief overviews of the top rural health concerns and objectives associated with Healthy People 2010 focus areas. Also included are references to key literature about these concerns and descriptions of models for practice that rural communities can draw upon to achieve key Healthy People 2010 objectives.

2000

Influence of Rural Residence on the Use of Preventative Health Care Services
University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center
Date: 11/2000
This paper details a study of the utilization of specific preventive healthcare services by rural women and men to assess the impact of rural residence, the availability of healthcare providers and technology, demographic factors, and health insurance status on the likelihood of obtaining several preventive healthcare services.
Race and Place: Urban-Rural Differences in Health for Racial and Ethnic Minorities
North Carolina Rural Health Research and Policy Analysis Center
Date: 03/2000
This findings brief investigates urban-rural disparities for racial and ethnic minorities in six health areas: infant mortality, cancer screening and management, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, HIV infection, and child and adult immunizations.