ACS CAN’s Policy Recommendations for Improving Cancer Care in Rural America

People who live in rural and remote areas have specific challenges in accessing cancer treatments and preventive services. It is estimated that up to 20% of the U.S. population resides in rural areas, but only 3% of medical oncologists practice in rural communities and over 70% of counties do not have a medical oncologist.[i] Research shows there is a widening gap in cancer mortality between urban and rural areas.[ii] Cancer patients and survivors who reside in rural areas are more likely to have limited incomes and face serious financial hardship.[iii]

People who reside in rural areas face significant barriers to accessing care, limited primary care and public health capacity, limited access to clinical trials, cancer screening and prevention, higher rates of tobacco use, are more likely to face food insecurity and may lack patient support services. ACS CAN supports policy recommendations to improve cancer care in rural and remote areas.