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Falk DS, Tooze JA, Winkfield KM, Bell RA, Birken SA, Morris BB, Strom C, Copus E, Shore K, Weaver KE. Factors Associated with Delaying and Forgoing Care Due to Cost among Long-term, Appalachian Cancer Survivors in Rural North Carolina. CANCER SURVIVORSHIP RESEARCH & CARE 2023; 1:2270401. [PMID: 38178811 PMCID: PMC10766413 DOI: 10.1080/28352610.2023.2270401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Background Little research exists on delayed and forgone health and mental health care due to cost among rural cancer survivors. Methods We surveyed survivors in 7 primarily rural, Appalachian counties February to May 2020. Univariable analyses examined the distribution and prevalence of delayed/forgone care due to cost in the past year by independent variables. Chi-square or Fisher's tests examined bivariable differences. Logistic regressions assessed the odds of delayed/forgone care due to cost. Results Respondents (n=428), aged 68.6 years on average (SD: 12.0), were 96.3% non-Hispanic white and 49.8% female; 25.0% reported delayed/forgone care due to cost. The response rate was 18.5%. The proportion of delayed/forgone care for those aged 18-64 years was 46.7% and 15.0% for those aged 65+ years (P<0.0001). Females aged 65+ years (OR: 2.00; CI: 1.02-3.93) had double the odds of delayed/forgone care due to cost compared to males aged 65+ years. Conclusion About one in four rural cancer survivors reported delayed/forgone care due to cost, with rates approaching 50% in survivors aged <65 years. Impact Clinical implications indicate the need to: 1) ask about the impact of care costs, and 2) provide supportive services to mitigate effects of treatment costs, particularly for younger and female survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek S Falk
- Department of Social Sciences & Health Policy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA 27157 (Sponsor)
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 10900 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, Ohio, USA 44106 (Present)
| | - Janet A Tooze
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA 27157
- Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA 27157
| | - Karen M Winkfield
- Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance, 1005 Dr. DB Todd Jr. Blvd, Nashville, TN, USA 37208
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Preston Research Building, Rm B-1003, 2220 Pierce Ave, Nashville, TN, USA 37232
| | - Ronny A Bell
- Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, NC, USA 27599
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA 27599
| | - Sarah A Birken
- Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA 27157
- Department of Implementation Science, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA 27157
| | - Bonny B Morris
- Department of Social Sciences & Health Policy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA 27157 (Sponsor)
| | - Carla Strom
- Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA 27157
| | - Emily Copus
- Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA 27157
| | - Kelsey Shore
- Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA 27157
| | - Kathryn E Weaver
- Department of Social Sciences & Health Policy, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA 27157 (Sponsor)
- Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA 27157
- Department of Implementation Science, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA 27157
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Franks JA, Davis ES, Bhatia S, Kenzik KM. Defining rurality: an evaluation of rural definitions and the impact on survival estimates. J Natl Cancer Inst 2023; 115:530-538. [PMID: 36762829 PMCID: PMC10165490 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djad031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with cancer living in rural areas have inferior cancer outcomes; however, studies examining this association use varying definitions of "rural," complicating comparisons and limiting the utility of the results for policy makers and future researchers. METHODS Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results data (2000-2016) were used to assess risk of cancer mortality and mortality from any cause across 4 definitions of rurality: Urban Influence codes (UIC), National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), Rural-Urban continuum codes (RUCC), and Index of Relative Rurality. Binary (urban vs rural) and ternary (urban, micropolitan, rural) definitions were evaluated. Multivariable parametric survival models estimated hazards of mortality overall and among 3 cancer groupings: screening related, obesity related, and tobacco related. Definition agreement was also assessed. RESULTS Overall, 3 788 273 patients with an incident cancer representing 605 counties were identified. There was little discordance between binary definitions of rural vs urban and moderate agreement at the 3 levels. Adjusted models using binary definitions revealed 15% to 17% greater hazard of cancer mortality in rural compared with urban. At the 3 levels when comparing rural with metropolitan, RUCC and NCHS saw similarly increased hazard ratios; however, Index of Relative Rurality did not. Screening-related cancers saw the highest hazards of mortality and the largest divergence between definitions. Obesity-related and tobacco-related cancers saw similarly increased hazards of mortality at the binary and ternary levels. CONCLUSIONS Hazard of death is similar across binary definitions; however, this differed when categorized as ternary or continuous, especially among screening-related cancers. Results suggest that study purpose should direct choice of definitions and categorization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey A Franks
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | | | - Smita Bhatia
- Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Blood or Marrow Transplant, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
- Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Kelly M Kenzik
- Department of Surgery, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
- Slone Epidemiology Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
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Nechuta S, Wallace H. Improving rural cancer prevention: targeted data and understanding rural-specific factors and lived experiences. J Natl Cancer Inst 2023; 115:345-348. [PMID: 36744916 PMCID: PMC10086619 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djad026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Nechuta
- School of Interdisciplinary Health, Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Heather Wallace
- School of Interdisciplinary Health, Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
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Liu A, Garcia-Torres LC, Johnson C, Haver MK, Gwede CK, Christy SM. Cancer screening educational interventions in rural and farmworker communities: a systematic literature review. ETHNICITY & HEALTH 2023; 28:335-357. [PMID: 35499269 PMCID: PMC9626390 DOI: 10.1080/13557858.2022.2056145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Men and women living in rural communities of the United States (US) are less likely than those in urban or suburban communities to be up to date with cancer screenings. Delayed screening contributes to later stage at diagnosis and higher cancer mortality for individuals living in rural areas. These effects may be compounded in some rural subpopulations (e.g. migrant and seasonal farmworkers). This systematic review examines educational interventions aimed at increasing colorectal, breast, prostate, oral, and/or cervical cancer screening in the rural US, with special consideration for the farmworker subpopulation. DESIGN Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, our systematic literature review employed the following databases: Ovid MEDLINE, CINAHL Complete, Embase, and Web of Science. Search terms included, but were not limited to 'rural,' 'cancer screening,' 'farmworker,' and 'cancer prevention.' Eligible studies featured an educational intervention implemented in agricultural or rural US settings with a cancer screening behavioral outcome, male and/or female participants, and were published in English between 2002 and 2020. Article screening and data extraction were conducted by two independent reviewers. RESULTS Twenty-six articles were eligible. Of the six studies focused on the farmworker population (n=2,732), 61.75% of participants reported Hispanic ethnicity. Of the sixteen studies on unspecified rural communities reporting participant race/ethnicity (n=10,442), 39.29% reported Black/African American race. Efficacious interventions included culturally-targeted educational materials, lay health advisors (LHAs), and components that addressed practical barriers (e.g. financial or logistical). CONCLUSION Results demonstrate the value of LHAs and targeted education to increase screening for multiple cancer types in rural communities. Prospective research should incorporate and facilitate access to screening and provider-level and/or organizational-level interventions to increase overall impact. ABBREVIATIONS HPV: human papillomavirus; LHA: lay health advisors; MeSH: Medical Subject Headings; PRISMA: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses; RCT: randomized controlled trial; US: United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anni Liu
- Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | | | - Caitlyn Johnson
- Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | | | - Clement K. Gwede
- Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
- H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Shannon M. Christy
- Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
- H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
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Gao X, Schroeder MC, Lizarraga IM, Tolle CL, Mullett TW, Charlton ME. Improving cancer care locally: Study of a hospital affiliate network model. J Rural Health 2022; 38:827-837. [PMID: 34897807 PMCID: PMC9189248 DOI: 10.1111/jrh.12639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center Affiliate Network (MCCAN) increased access to high-quality cancer care for patients treated in community hospitals across the state by leveraging the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (CoC) standards to improve quality among its member sites. This study describes the network activities and services identified as most helpful or effective to its members, as well as the perceived value of joining MCCAN or pursing accreditation. METHODS An independent research team conducted in-depth, semistructured interviews with 18 administrators and clinicians from 10 MCCAN hospitals in 2019. Interviews were transcribed and a thematic analysis was conducted. FINDINGS Network affiliation and CoC accreditation were perceived as helpful to improving quality of care. Having both clinician and administrative champions were key facilitators to achieving CoC standards and made mentoring of member sites a critical activity of the Network. Other components identified as valuable and/or key to the Network's success included providing access to specific CoC-required clinical services (eg, genetic counseling); offering regular performance monitoring and individualized feedback; establishing a culture of quality improvement; and fostering trust within the Network with patient referrals (ie, sending patients back to their local hospital for ongoing care). CONCLUSIONS Quality improvement in community cancer programs is challenging but several strategies were identified by members as valuable and effective. Efforts to disseminate the MCCAN model should focus on identifying the needs of community hospitals, implementing a quality monitoring system, and fostering site-level champions who can be influential drivers of change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Gao
- Department of Surgery, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Mary C. Schroeder
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
- Division of Health Services Research, College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Ingrid M. Lizarraga
- Department of Surgery, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Cheri L. Tolle
- Markey Cancer Center, Cancer Prevention and Control Program, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Timothy W. Mullett
- Markey Cancer Center, Cancer Prevention and Control Program, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Mary E. Charlton
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
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Moore JX, Tingen MS, Coughlin SS, O’Meara C, Odhiambo L, Vernon M, Jones S, Petcu R, Johnson R, Islam KM, Nettles D, Albashir G, Cortes J. Understanding geographic and racial/ethnic disparities in mortality from four major cancers in the state of Georgia: a spatial epidemiologic analysis, 1999–2019. Sci Rep 2022; 12:14143. [PMID: 35986041 PMCID: PMC9391349 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-18374-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
We examined geographic and racial variation in cancer mortality within the state of Georgia, and investigated the correlation between the observed spatial differences and county-level characteristics. We analyzed county-level cancer mortality data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on breast, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancer mortality among adults (aged ≥ 18 years) in 159 Georgia counties from years 1999 through 2019. Geospatial methods were applied, and we identified hot spot counties based on cancer mortality rates overall and stratified by non-Hispanic white (NH-white) and NH-black race/ethnicity. Among all adults, 5.0% (8 of 159), 8.2% (13 of 159), 5.0% (8 of 159), and 6.9% (11 of 159) of Georgia counties were estimated hot spots for breast cancer, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancer mortality, respectively. Cancer mortality hot spots were heavily concentrated in three major areas: (1) eastern Piedmont to Coastal Plain regions, (2) southwestern rural Georgia area, or (3) northern-most rural Georgia. Overall, hot spot counties generally had higher proportion of NH-black adults, older adult population, greater poverty, and more rurality. In Georgia, targeted cancer prevention strategies and allocation of health resources are needed in counties with elevated cancer mortality rates, focusing on interventions suitable for NH-black race/ethnicity, low-income, and rural residents.
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Hallgren E, Hastert TA, Carnahan LR, Eberth JM, Mama SK, Watson KS, Molina Y. Cancer-Related Debt and Mental-Health-Related Quality of Life among Rural Cancer Survivors: Do Family/Friend Informal Caregiver Networks Moderate the Relationship? JOURNAL OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL BEHAVIOR 2020; 61:113-130. [PMID: 32009469 PMCID: PMC7117869 DOI: 10.1177/0022146520902737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Social connectedness generally buffers the effects of stressors on quality of life. Is this the case for cancer-related debt among rural cancer survivors? Drawing on a sample of 135 rural cancer survivors, we leverage family/friend informal caregiver network data to determine if informal cancer caregivers buffer or exacerbate the effect of cancer-related debt on mental-health-related quality of life (MHQOL). Using data from the Illinois Rural Cancer Assessment, a survey of cancer survivors in rural Illinois, we estimate the association between cancer-related debt and MHQOL and whether informal caregiver network size and characteristics moderate this association. Over a quarter of survivors (27%) reported cancer-related debt, and those who did reported worse MHQOL. However, this association only held for survivors who had an informal caregiver network. These findings supplement what is already known about the role of social connectedness in cancer survivors' health outcomes. We offer possible explanations for these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Theresa A Hastert
- Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
- Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI, USA
| | | | | | | | - Karriem S Watson
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- University of Illinois Cancer Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Yamilé Molina
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- University of Illinois Cancer Center, Chicago, IL, USA
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Davis TC, Rademaker A, Morris J, Ferguson LA, Wiltz G, Arnold CL. Repeat Annual Colorectal Cancer Screening in Rural Community Clinics: A Randomized Clinical Trial to Evaluate Outreach Strategies to Sustain Screening. J Rural Health 2019; 36:307-315. [PMID: 31523848 DOI: 10.1111/jrh.12399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The majority of colorectal cancer (CRC) research using the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) has studied short-term screening results in predominantly urban areas. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of 2 outreach strategies embedded in a health literacy intervention on repeat CRC screening in rural community clinics. METHODS A 2-arm randomized controlled trial was conducted in 4 rural clinics in Louisiana. During a regularly scheduled clinic visit, participants ages 50-75 received a FIT kit and brief educational intervention. Participants were randomized to receive an automated call or a personal call by a prevention counselor after 4 weeks and 8 weeks if FIT kits were not returned. In year 2, materials were mailed, and follow-up calls were conducted as in year 1. The primary outcome was repeat FIT-the return of the FIT kit in both years. PARTICIPANTS Of 568 eligible participants, 55% were female, 67% were African American, and 39% had low health literacy. FINDINGS Repeat FIT rates were 36.5% for those receiving the automated call and 33.6% for those receiving a personal call (P = .30). No annual FITs were returned in 30% of participants, while only 1 FIT was returned by 35% of participants (31% only year 1 and 4% only year 2). CONCLUSION Sustaining CRC screening with FIT is challenging in rural clinics. A lower cost automated call was just as effective as the personal call in promoting repeat annual screening. However, more intensive strategies are needed to improve long-term FIT screening among rural participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terry C Davis
- Department of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, Louisiana
| | - Alfred Rademaker
- Department of Preventive Medicine and the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - James Morris
- Department of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, Louisiana
| | | | - Gary Wiltz
- Teche Action Clinic, Franklin, Louisiana
| | - Connie L Arnold
- Department of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, Louisiana
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