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Advancing Rural Cancer Control Research: National Cancer Institute Efforts to Identify Gaps and Opportunities
Sallie J Weaver1, Kelly D Blake2, Robin C Vanderpool2
1Health Systems and Interventions Research Branch, Healthcare Delivery Research Program, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland. Sallie.weaver@nih.gov.
Cancer mortality is higher in rural areas, with rates falling slower than in urban settings, widening health disparities. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is accelerating rural cancer control research to address these critical gaps.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Cancer Control and Prevention
- Health Disparities Research
Background:
- Cancer mortality rates are significantly higher in rural populations compared to urban populations in the United States.
- Mortality rates are declining more slowly in rural communities, exacerbating existing rural-urban health disparities.
- The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has a history of supporting research to address health needs in rural areas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the NCI's portfolio of rural cancer control research over the past four years.
- To highlight the need for accelerated research in rural cancer prevention, control, and care delivery.
- To discuss future directions, challenges, and opportunities in rural cancer research.
Main Methods:
- Portfolio analysis of NCI-supported research relevant to rural cancer control.
- Review of NCI's initiatives and efforts to address rural cancer disparities.
- Synthesis of current challenges and future opportunities in the field.
Main Results:
- The analysis indicates a need to significantly accelerate rural cancer control research.
- NCI has undertaken efforts to address identified gaps in rural cancer research over the last four years.
- Progress in improving cancer prevention, control, and care delivery in rural populations requires further enhancement.
Conclusions:
- There is a critical need to intensify efforts and investment in rural cancer control research.
- Partnerships with state and local communities are essential for effective rural cancer control.
- Addressing rural-urban cancer disparities requires a focused and accelerated research agenda.
